Arkansas to Indiana Moving Guide
Updated June 19, 2025

Planning a 616 mile interstate move from Arkansas to Indiana? This moving guide will help you compare living in Arkansas vs Indiana across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like limited public transport vs robust transit systems), food & health (like Fried Catfish vs Pork Tenderloin Sandwich), real estate & housing (ranch, craftsman vs ranch, colonial), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Indiana), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Fried Catfish and Smoked Ribs, but get your taste buds ready for Pork Tenderloin Sandwich & Beef and Noodles
- Indiana housing costs are 17% more expensive than they are in Arkansas
- Rent in Indiana is 2.54% more expensive than in Arkansas
- Moving from Arkansas to Indiana will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,500
- Our top recommended Arkansas to Indiana movers is B2 Moving
Arkansas to Indiana Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Arkansas to Indiana
- Limited public transport
- Hot, humid summers
- Fewer job opportunities
- Higher poverty rate
- Robust transit systems
- Milder summer temperatures
- Thriving job market
- Lower poverty rate
- Less historic culture
- Higher cost of living
- Snowy winters
- Urban-centric areas
- Southern charm
- Lower cost of living
- Mild winters
- Natural landscapes
Pros of moving from Arkansas to Indiana
- Say goodbye to limited public transport and hello to robust transit systems
- Look forward to moving away from hot, humid summers and moving to Indiana with milder summer temperatures
- Swap the fewer job opportunities of Arkansas for a thriving job market in Indiana
- Get ready for a lower poverty rate in Indiana
Cons of moving from Arkansas to Indiana
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from southern charm in Arkansas to live with less historic culture in Indiana
- You'll lose out on the pro of a lower cost of living and have to settle with the con of a higher cost of living
- Time to bid farewell to mild winters and get used to snowy winters in Indiana
- Swap natural landscapes for urban-centric areas
Arkansas vs. Indiana: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Arkansas | Indiana |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Fried Catfish | Pork Tenderloin Sandwich |
Most popular meat dish | Smoked Ribs | Beef and Noodles |
Most popular street food item | Barbecue Nachos | Corn Dogs |
Most popular vegan food | Black Bean Burger | Tempeh Tacos |
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 Indiana, you will be trading the iconic Fried Catfish of Arkansas for the equally delicious Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Indiana. And while the locals in Arkansas rave about their flavorful Smoked Ribs and sumptuous Barbecue Nachos, Indiana residents know they have tasty Beef and Noodles and Corn Dogs 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 Tempeh Tacos of Indiana. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Arkansas eateries like Sims Bar-B-Que, McClard's Bar-B-Q, and The Southern Gourmasian. After the boxes are unpacked in Indiana, don't wait too long before making your way to Indiana's acclaimed eateries like St. Elmo Steak House, The Loose Goose Inn, and Bluebeard.
When comparing lifestyles, Indiana shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Arkansas. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Indiana compared to what you are used to in Arkansas. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Indiana.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Arkansas and Indiana
Comparison | Arkansas | Indiana |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Ranch, Craftsman | Ranch, Colonial |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Large yards, Natural surroundings | Historic properties, Close to amenities |
- The Ranch and Craftsman architecture that Arkansas is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Colonial architecture typical of Indiana.
- Compared to Arkansas's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and natural surroundings, Indiana real estate listings often highlight features like historic properties and proximity to amenities.
- Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Indiana is more walkable than Arkansas.
- Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Indiana is more bike-friendly than Arkansas.
- Indiana has more of an urban feel than Arkansas.
- Indiana housing costs are 17% more expensive than they are in Arkansas, with a median home price of $236,990 compared to Arkansasβs $203,305.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Indiana have increased by 54% compared to a 41% increase in Arkansas.
- Rent in Indiana is 2.54% more expensive than in Arkansas.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Arkansas and Indiana
Comparison | Arkansas | Indiana |
---|---|---|
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 | Tornadoes, Winter Storms |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 90Β°F / 71Β°F | 85Β°F / 65Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 50Β°F / 30Β°F | 36Β°F / 19Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 50" | 42" |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 5" | 22" |
- The shades won't be used as much for your move from Arkansas to Indiana. Indiana gets 14% fewer sunshine days than Arkansas.
- Indiana 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 tornadoes and winter storms in Indiana.
- Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Indiana is 5 degrees colder than in Arkansas.
- The average winter lows are 11 degrees colder than they are in Arkansas.
- Your umbrella might be neglected in Indiana. Indiana receives 8 fewer inches of rain compared to Arkansas.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Arkansas and Indiana
Comparison | Arkansas | Indiana |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $55,432 | $66,785 |
Cost of Living Index | 90.5 | 92.95 |
State Income Tax | 5.0% | 3.23% |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.63% | 0.87% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 6.5% | 7.0% |
Top 3 Industries | Retail, Manufacturing, Agriculture | Manufacturing, Health Care, Services |
Affluence | Moderate | Moderate |
Poverty | Notable | Moderate |
Homelessness | Low | Moderate |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Indiana tend to earn about 20% more than in Arkansas
- The COLI in Indiana is 3% higher than what you are used to living in Arkansas
- The state income tax in Indiana is 3.23% compared to 5.0% in Arkansas
- The affluence in Indiana is moderate compared to moderate affluence in Arkansas
- The poverty level is moderate in Indiana compared to notable poverty in Arkansas
- In terms of homelessness, it is low in Arkansas and moderate in Indiana
Political and Religious Climate in Arkansas vs. Indiana
Comparison | Arkansas | Indiana |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Lean Conservative | Lean Conservative |
Local Politics | More Democratic in urban areas | Varies substantially by county |
Religion | Primarily Protestant | Primarily Protestant, diverse religious communities in urban areas |
- Arkansas tends to lean Conservative in its political climate
- Indiana, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Conservative
- Indiana's religious environment can be described as primarily Protestant with diverse religious communities in urban areas
- Arkansas' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as primarily Protestant
Education Guide When Moving from Arkansas to Indiana
Comparison | Arkansas | Indiana |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | University of Arkansas Arkansas State University University of Central Arkansas | Indiana University Bloomington Purdue University Ball State University |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Baker Interdistrict Elementary School Little Rock; Forest Park Elementary Little Rock; Vandergriff Elementary School Fayetteville | Signature School Evansville; West Lafayette Jr/Sr High School West Lafayette; Herron High School Indianapolis |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Lisa Academy North Middle School Sherwood; Haas Hall Academy Fayetteville; Bentonville Middle School Bentonville | West Lafayette Jr/Sr High School West Lafayette; Brown County Junior High School Nashville; Fall Creek Valley Middle School Indianapolis |
Top 3 High School Schools | Haas Hall Academy Fayetteville; Bentonville High School Bentonville; Central High School Little Rock | Signature School Evansville; Carmel High School Carmel; West Lafayette Jr/Sr High School West Lafayette |
Top 3 private high schools | Pulaski Academy Little Rock; Subiaco Academy Subiaco; Mount St. Mary Academy Little Rock | Park Tudor School Indianapolis; Culver Academies Culver; Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School Indianapolis |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | Little Rock Christian Academy Little Rock; Shiloh Christian School Springdale; The New School Fayetteville | Traders Point Christian Academy Whitestown; Heritage Christian School Indianapolis; The Orchard School Indianapolis |
Top 3 School Districts | Fayetteville School District; Bentonville School District; Rogers School District | Carmel Clay Schools; West Lafayette School Corporation; Brown County School Corporation |
How Much Do Arkansas to Indiana Movers Cost?
Moving 616 miles from Arkansas to Indiana will typically cost between $2,500 and $5,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
- Expected Range: $2,500 - $5,500
- Expected Time To Complete: 2-7.5 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: B2 Moving
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,552 | 300 ft3 | $5.17 |
1 Bedroom | $2,305 | 450 ft3 | $5.12 |
2 Bedrooms | $3,804 | 750 ft3 | $5.07 |
3 Bedrooms | $5,525 | 1100 ft3 | $5.02 |
4 Bedrooms | $7,956 | 1600 ft3 | $4.97 |
5+ Bedrooms | $8,860 | 1800 ft3 | $4.92 |
Top Arkansas to Indiana Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Arkansas to Indiana movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.