Arkansas to Idaho Moving Guide
Updated June 20, 2025

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
- High humidity
- Severe storms
- Higher taxes
- Limited outdoor activities
- Dryer climate
- Milder weather
- Lower taxes
- Abundant outdoor adventures
- Less historical sites
- Fewer water bodies
- Higher living costs
- Harsh winters
- 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
Comparison | Arkansas | Idaho |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Fried Catfish | Idaho Potatoes |
Most popular meat dish | Smoked Barbecue Ribs | Idaho Trout |
Most popular street food item | Tamales | Finger Steaks |
Most popular vegan food | Black Bean Burger | Quinoa Salad |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
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Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ |
Abundance of Food Trucks | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Foodie Scene | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ |
Vegan Friendly | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± |
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
Comparison | Arkansas | Idaho |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Ranch | Modern Craftsman |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Large yards, proximity to nature | Energy 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 Arkansasβs $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
Comparison | Arkansas | Idaho |
---|---|---|
Days of Sunshine per Year | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ |
Avg. UV Index | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ |
Natural Disasters | Tornadoes, Floods | Wildfires, Earthquakes |
Air Quality | Good | Variable |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 92Β°F / 72Β°F | 85Β°F / 55Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 51Β°F / 32Β°F | 37Β°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
Comparison | Arkansas | Idaho |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $55,432 | $72,785 |
Cost of Living Index | 90.5 | 91.5 |
State Income Tax | 4.9% | 6.925% |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.61% | 0.69% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 9.51% | 6.03% |
Top 3 Industries | Agriculture, Manufacturing, Healthcare | Agriculture, Technology, Tourism |
Affluence | Moderate | Above Average |
Poverty | Higher | Lower |
Homelessness | Moderate | Lower |
- 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
Comparison | Arkansas | Idaho |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Traditionally Conservative | Strongly Conservative |
Local Politics | Mixed urban/rural divide | Rural & conservative strongholds |
Religion | Primarily Christian, variety of denominations | Highly 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
Comparison | Arkansas | Idaho |
---|---|---|
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 Schools | Baker 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 Schools | Haas 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 Schools | Haas 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 schools | Shiloh 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 schools | Lisa 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 Districts | Bentonville 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 SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $2,217 | 300 ft3 | $7.39 |
1 Bedroom | $3,303 | 450 ft3 | $7.34 |
2 Bedrooms | $5,467 | 750 ft3 | $7.29 |
3 Bedrooms | $7,963 | 1100 ft3 | $7.24 |
4 Bedrooms | $11,502 | 1600 ft3 | $7.19 |
5+ Bedrooms | $12,850 | 1800 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.