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Arkansas to Kentucky Moving Guide

Updated June 10, 2025

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Planning a 544 mile interstate move from Arkansas to Kentucky? This moving guide will help you compare living in Arkansas vs Kentucky across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like sizzling summers vs milder temperatures), food & health (like Fried Catfish vs Kentucky Hot Brown), real estate & housing (traditional, ranch vs colonial, craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Kentucky), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Fried Catfish and Barbecue Ribs, but get your taste buds ready for Kentucky Hot Brown & Fried Chicken
  • Kentucky housing costs are 1% less expensive than they are in Arkansas
  • Rent in Kentucky is 0.52% more affordable than in Arkansas
  • Moving from Arkansas to Kentucky will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,500
  • Our top recommended Arkansas to Kentucky movers is B2 Moving

Arkansas to Kentucky Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Arkansas to Kentucky

ConsArkansas iconArkansas
  • Sizzling summers
  • Limited public transport
  • Higher crime rates
  • Fewer cultural amenities
ProsKentucky iconKentucky
  • Milder temperatures
  • Efficient transit options
  • Safer neighborhoods
  • Rich cultural heritage

Kentucky iconKentucky
  • Higher housing costs
  • More crowded areas
  • Less tight-knit towns
  • Less wilderness access
Arkansas iconArkansas
  • Low cost of living
  • Quieter lifestyle
  • Close-knit communities
  • Natural beauty

Pros of moving from Arkansas to Kentucky

  • Say goodbye to sizzling summers and hello to milder temperatures
  • Look forward to moving away from limited public transport and moving to Kentucky with efficient transit options
  • Swap the higher crime rates of Arkansas for safer neighborhoods in Kentucky
  • Get ready for rich cultural heritage in Kentucky

Cons of moving from Arkansas to Kentucky

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the low cost of living in Arkansas to live with higher housing costs in Kentucky
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a quieter lifestyle and have to settle for the con of more crowded areas
  • Time to bid farewell to close-knit communities and get used to less tight-knit towns in Kentucky
  • Swap natural beauty for less wilderness access

Arkansas vs. Kentucky: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonArkansasKentucky
Most iconic local food itemFried CatfishKentucky Hot Brown
Most popular meat dishBarbecue RibsFried Chicken
Most popular street food itemTamalesBurgoo
Most popular vegan foodBBQ JackfruitVegetable Jambalaya
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • McClard's Bar-B-Q
  • The Root Cafe
  • Sims Bar-B-Que
  • The Brown Hotel (Hot Brown)
  • William Augustus
  • The Trustee's Table
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 Kentucky, you will be trading the iconic Fried Catfish of Arkansas for the equally delicious Kentucky Hot Brown of Kentucky. And while the locals in Arkansas rave about their flavorful Barbecue Ribs and sumptuous Tamales, Kentucky residents know they have tasty Fried Chicken and Burgoo to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the BBQ Jackfruit they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegetable Jambalaya of Kentucky. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Arkansas eateries like McClard's Bar-B-Q, The Root Cafe, and Sims Bar-B-Que. After the boxes are unpacked in Kentucky, don't wait too long before making your way to Kentucky's acclaimed eateries like The Brown Hotel (Hot Brown), William Augustus, and The Trustee's Table.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Arkansas and Kentucky

ComparisonArkansasKentucky
Typical Architecture StyleTraditional, RanchColonial, 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 natureHistoric properties, Proximity to parks
  • The Traditional and Ranch architecture that Arkansas is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Craftsman architecture typical of Kentucky.
  • Compared to Arkansas's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and proximity to nature, Kentucky real estate listings often highlight features like historic properties and proximity to parks.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Kentucky is more walkable than Arkansas.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Kentucky is more bike-friendly than Arkansas.
  • Kentucky has more of an urban feel than Arkansas.
  • Kentucky housing costs are 1% less expensive than they are in Arkansas, with a median home price of $201,332 compared to Arkansas’s $203,305.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Kentucky have increased by 47% compared to a 41% increase in Arkansas.
  • Rent in Kentucky is 0.52% more affordable than in Arkansas.

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

ComparisonArkansasKentucky
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, FloodsTornadoes, Floods
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)92Β°F / 72Β°F87Β°F / 67Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)50Β°F / 30Β°F44Β°F / 27Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)50"45"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)5"11"
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Arkansas to Kentucky. Kentucky gets 10% fewer sunshine days than Arkansas.
  • Kentucky has higher 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 floods in Kentucky.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Kentucky is 5 degrees colder than in Arkansas.
  • The average winter lows are 3 degrees colder than they are in Arkansas.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Kentucky. Kentucky receives 5 fewer inches of rain compared to Arkansas.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Arkansas and Kentucky

ComparisonArkansasKentucky
Avg. Household Income$55,432$59,341
Cost of Living Index90.587.8
State Income Tax5.9%5.0%
Avg. Property Tax0.62%0.83%
Avg. Sales Tax9.47%6.00%
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Manufacturing, Retail TradeManufacturing, Healthcare, Mining
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyModerateModerate
HomelessnessLowLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Kentucky tend to earn about 7% more than those in Arkansas
  • The COLI in Kentucky is 3% lower than what you are used to living in Arkansas
  • The state income tax in KY is 5.0% compared to 5.9% in AR
  • The affluence in Kentucky is moderate compared to that in Arkansas
  • The poverty level is moderate in Kentucky compared to that in Arkansas
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Arkansas and low in Kentucky

Political and Religious Climate in Arkansas vs. Kentucky

ComparisonArkansasKentucky
Political Make-upLean RepublicanLean Republican
Local PoliticsConservative in rural areas, more liberal in urban areas like Little RockConservative across the state, with liberal pockets in cities like Louisville and Lexington
ReligionPrimarily Protestant, strong Baptist presencePrimarily Protestant, notable Catholic communities
  • Arkansas tends to lean Republican in its political climate
  • Kentucky, on the other hand, is often described as lean Republican
  • Kentucky's religious environment can be described as primarily Protestant with notable Catholic communities
  • Arkansas' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as primarily Protestant with a strong Baptist presence

Education Guide When Moving from Arkansas to Kentucky

ComparisonArkansasKentucky
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Arkansas
Arkansas State University
University of Central Arkansas
University of Kentucky
University of Louisville
Western Kentucky University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsBaker Interdistrict Elementary School
Fayetteville Root Elementary School
Fayetteville Vandergriff Elementary School
Fayetteville
Beechwood Elementary School
Fort Mitchell Anchorage Public School
Anchorage Rosa Parks Elementary School
Lexington
Top 3 Middle SchoolsHaas Hall Academy
Fayetteville Woodland Junior High School
Fayetteville McNair Middle School
Fayetteville
Beechwood High School (7-12)
Fort Mitchell Glasgow Middle School
Glasgow Meyzeek Middle School
Louisville
Top 3 High SchoolsHaas Hall Academy
Fayetteville Bentonville High School
Bentonville Rogers High School
Rogers
DuPont Manual High School
Louisville Beechwood High School
Fort Mitchell Highlands High School
Fort Thomas
Top 3 private high schoolsPulaski Academy
Little Rock Little Rock Christian Academy
Little Rock Shiloh Christian School
Springdale
Louisville Collegiate School
Louisville The Lexington School
Lexington Sayre School
Lexington
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsShiloh Christian School
Springdale Subiaco Academy
Subiaco The New School
Fayetteville
Sayre School
Lexington Louisville Collegiate School
Louisville The Lexington School
Lexington
Top 3 School DistrictsFayetteville School District
Fayetteville Bentonville School District
Bentonville Rogers School District
Rogers
Fayette County Public Schools
Lexington Jefferson County Public Schools
Louisville Daviess County Public Schools
Owensboro

How Much Do Arkansas to Kentucky Movers Cost?

Moving 544 miles from Arkansas to Kentucky will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,000 - $5,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Smooth Move Relocation Services
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,511300 ft3$5.04
1 Bedroom$2,244450 ft3$4.99
2 Bedrooms$3,702750 ft3$4.94
3 Bedrooms$5,3751100 ft3$4.89
4 Bedrooms$7,7381600 ft3$4.84
5+ Bedrooms$8,6151800 ft3$4.79

Top Arkansas to Kentucky Movers

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

TOP PICK
B2 Moving featured image

B2 Moving

Best moving company overall for Arkansas to Kentucky

9.44/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
From Here to There featured image

From Here to There

9.16/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Smooth Move Relocation Services featured image

Smooth Move Relocation Services

9.10/10
ExceptionalView details