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Arkansas to Idaho Moving Guide

Updated June 20, 2025

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Planning a 1,789 mile interstate move from Arkansas to Idaho? This moving guide will help you compare living in Arkansas vs Idaho across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high humidity vs dryer climate), food & health (like Fried Catfish vs Idaho Potatoes), real estate & housing (ranch vs modern craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Idaho), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Fried Catfish and Smoked Barbecue Ribs, but get your taste buds ready for Idaho Potatoes & Idaho Trout
  • Idaho housing costs are 122% more expensive than they are in Arkansas
  • Rent in Idaho is 22.74% more expensive than in Arkansas
  • Moving from Arkansas to Idaho will cost on average between $2,000 - $8,000
  • Our top recommended Arkansas to Idaho movers is 208 Moving Company

Arkansas to Idaho Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Arkansas to Idaho

ConsArkansas iconArkansas
  • High humidity
  • Severe storms
  • Higher taxes
  • Limited outdoor activities
ProsIdaho iconIdaho
  • Dryer climate
  • Milder weather
  • Lower taxes
  • Abundant outdoor adventures

Idaho iconIdaho
  • Less historical sites
  • Fewer water bodies
  • Higher living costs
  • Harsh winters
Arkansas iconArkansas
  • Rich history
  • Expansive waterways
  • Affordable cost of living
  • Mild winters

Pros of moving from Arkansas to Idaho

  • Say goodbye to high humidity and hello to a dryer climate
  • Look forward to moving away from severe storms and moving to Idaho with milder weather
  • Swap the higher taxes of Arkansas for lower taxes in Idaho
  • Get ready for abundant outdoor adventures in Idaho

Cons of moving from Arkansas to Idaho

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from rich history in Arkansas to live with fewer historical sites in Idaho
  • You'll lose out on the pro of expansive waterways and have to settle for the con of fewer water bodies
  • Time to bid farewell to an affordable cost of living and get used to higher living costs in Idaho
  • Swap mild winters for harsh winters

Arkansas vs. Idaho: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonArkansasIdaho
Most iconic local food itemFried CatfishIdaho Potatoes
Most popular meat dishSmoked Barbecue RibsIdaho Trout
Most popular street food itemTamalesFinger Steaks
Most popular vegan foodBlack Bean BurgerQuinoa Salad
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Sim's Barbecue
  • Arkansas Moe's
  • Whole Hog CafΓ©
  • The STIL
  • Boise Fry Company
  • Goldy's Breakfast Bistro
Fitness/Health ConscientiousnessπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from Arkansas to Idaho, you will be trading the iconic Fried Catfish of Arkansas for the equally delicious Idaho Potatoes of Idaho. And while the locals in Arkansas rave about their flavorful Smoked Barbecue Ribs and sumptuous Tamales, Idaho residents know they have tasty Idaho Trout and Finger Steaks to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Black Bean Burger they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Quinoa Salad of Idaho. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Arkansas eateries like Sim's Barbecue, Arkansas Moe's, and Whole Hog CafΓ©. After the boxes are unpacked in Idaho, don't wait too long before making your way to Idaho's acclaimed eateries like The STIL, Boise Fry Company, and Goldy's Breakfast Bistro.

When comparing lifestyles, Idaho shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Arkansas. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Idaho compared to what you are used to in Arkansas. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Idaho.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Arkansas and Idaho

ComparisonArkansasIdaho
Typical Architecture StyleRanchModern Craftsman
WalkabilityπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestyleπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈ
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingLarge yards, proximity to natureEnergy efficiency, modern amenities
  • The Ranch architecture that Arkansas is known for will be replaced with the Modern Craftsman architecture typical of Idaho.
  • Compared to Arkansas's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and proximity to nature, Idaho real estate listings often highlight features like energy efficiency and modern amenities.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Idaho is more walkable than Arkansas.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Idaho is more bike-friendly than Arkansas.
  • Idaho has more of an urban feel than Arkansas.
  • Idaho housing costs are 122% more expensive than they are in Arkansas, with a median home price of $451,298 compared to Arkansas’s $203,305.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Idaho have increased 69% compared to a 41% increase in Arkansas.
  • Rent in Idaho is 22.74% more expensive than in Arkansas.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Arkansas and Idaho

ComparisonArkansasIdaho
Days of Sunshine per Yearβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈ
Avg. Annual HumidityπŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈ
Natural DisastersTornadoes, FloodsWildfires, Earthquakes
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)92Β°F / 72Β°F85Β°F / 55Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)51Β°F / 32Β°F37Β°F / 17Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)50"13"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)5"60"
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Arkansas to Idaho. Idaho gets 6% fewer sunshine days than Arkansas.
  • Idaho has lower humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Arkansas.
  • Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and floods in Arkansas but be on the lookout for potential wildfires and earthquakes in Idaho.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Idaho is 7 degrees colder than in Arkansas.
  • The average winter lows are 15 degrees colder than they are in Arkansas.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Idaho. Idaho receives 37 fewer inches of rain compared to Arkansas.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Arkansas and Idaho

ComparisonArkansasIdaho
Avg. Household Income$55,432$72,785
Cost of Living Index90.591.5
State Income Tax4.9%6.925%
Avg. Property Tax0.61%0.69%
Avg. Sales Tax9.51%6.03%
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Manufacturing, HealthcareAgriculture, Technology, Tourism
AffluenceModerateAbove Average
PovertyHigherLower
HomelessnessModerateLower
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Idaho tend to earn about 31% more than in Arkansas
  • The COLI in Idaho is 1% higher than what you are used to living in Arkansas
  • The state income tax in ID is 6.925% compared to 4.9% in AR
  • The affluence in Idaho is above average compared to moderate in Arkansas
  • The poverty level is lower in Idaho compared to higher in Arkansas
  • In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Arkansas and lower in Idaho

Political and Religious Climate in Arkansas vs. Idaho

ComparisonArkansasIdaho
Political Make-upTraditionally ConservativeStrongly Conservative
Local PoliticsMixed urban/rural divideRural & conservative strongholds
ReligionPrimarily Christian, variety of denominationsHighly Religious, predominantly LDS
  • Arkansas tends to lean traditionally Conservative in its political climate
  • Idaho, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Conservative
  • Idaho's religious environment can be described as highly Religious and predominantly LDS
  • Arkansas' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as primarily Christian, with a variety of denominations

Education Guide When Moving from Arkansas to Idaho

ComparisonArkansasIdaho
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Arkansas
Arkansas State University
University of Central Arkansas
Boise State University
University of Idaho
Idaho State University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsBaker Interdistrict Elementary School
Little Rock; Vandergriff Elementary School
Fayetteville; Forest Park Elementary
Little Rock
White Pine Elementary School
Boise; Ponderosa Elementary School
Meridian; Anser Charter School
Garden City
Top 3 Middle SchoolsHaas Hall Academy
Fayetteville; LISA Academy North
Sherwood; Bentonville West Middle School
Centerton
North Star Charter School
Eagle; Heritage Middle School
Meridian; Lake Hazel Middle School
Boise
Top 3 High SchoolsHaas Hall Academy
Fayetteville; Bentonville High School
Bentonville; Rogers High School
Rogers
Boise High School
Boise; Coeur d'Alene High School
Coeur d'Alene; Renaissance High School
Meridian
Top 3 private high schoolsShiloh Christian School
Springdale; Subiaco Academy
Subiaco; Mount St. Mary Academy
Little Rock
Bishop Kelly High School
Boise; The Ambrose School
Meridian; Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy
Coeur d'Alene
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsLisa Academy
Little Rock; Pulaski Academy
Little Rock; Episcopal Collegiate School
Little Rock
North Star Charter School
Eagle; The Ambrose School
Meridian; Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy
Coeur d'Alene
Top 3 School DistrictsBentonville School District
Bentonville; Fayetteville School District
Fayetteville; Rogers School District
Rogers
Boise School District
Boise; West Ada School District
Meridian; Coeur d'Alene School District
Coeur d'Alene

How Much Do Arkansas to Idaho Movers Cost?

Moving 1,789 miles from Arkansas to Idaho will typically cost between $3,500 and $8,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,500 - $8,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-2 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Valley Custom Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,217300 ft3$7.39
1 Bedroom$3,303450 ft3$7.34
2 Bedrooms$5,467750 ft3$7.29
3 Bedrooms$7,9631100 ft3$7.24
4 Bedrooms$11,5021600 ft3$7.19
5+ Bedrooms$12,8501800 ft3$7.14

Top Arkansas to Idaho Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Arkansas to Idaho movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
208 Moving Company featured image

208 Moving Company

Best moving company overall for Arkansas to Idaho

9.49/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
B2 Moving featured image

B2 Moving

9.44/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Valley Custom Moving featured image

Valley Custom Moving

9.41/10
ExceptionalView details
Top Arkansas to Idaho Routes

Little Rock to Idaho