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Arkansas to Louisiana Moving Guide

Updated June 7, 2025

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Planning a 326 mile interstate move from Arkansas to Louisiana? This moving guide will help you compare living in Arkansas vs Louisiana across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like limited coastline vs access to gulf), food & health (like Fried Catfish vs Gumbo), real estate & housing (colonial revival vs french creole & colonial), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Louisiana), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Fried Catfish and Barbecue Ribs, but get your taste buds ready for Gumbo & Jambalaya
  • Louisiana housing costs are 2% less expensive than they are in Arkansas
  • Rent in Louisiana is 0.00% more expensive than in Arkansas
  • Moving from Arkansas to Louisiana will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,000
  • Our top recommended Arkansas to Louisiana movers is B2 Moving

Arkansas to Louisiana Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Arkansas to Louisiana

ConsArkansas iconArkansas
  • Limited coastline
  • Fewer cultural events
  • Less diverse food scene
  • Harsh winters
  • Fewer big cities
ProsLouisiana iconLouisiana
  • Access to Gulf
  • Vibrant festivals
  • Cajun cuisine
  • Milder winters
  • New Orleans attractions

Louisiana iconLouisiana
  • Higher living expenses
  • Busy urban traffic
  • Higher alcohol taxes
  • Hurricane risk areas
  • Loud cities
Arkansas iconArkansas
  • Lower cost of living
  • Less traffic congestion
  • Lower liquor taxes
  • Natural hot springs
  • Quieter lifestyle

Pros of moving from Arkansas to Louisiana

  • Say goodbye to limited coastline and hello to access to Gulf
  • Look forward to moving away from fewer cultural events and moving to Louisiana with vibrant festivals
  • Swap the less diverse food scene of Arkansas for Cajun cuisine in Louisiana
  • Get ready for milder winters in Louisiana

Cons of moving from Arkansas to Louisiana

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the lower cost of living in Arkansas to live with higher living expenses in Louisiana
  • You'll lose out on the pro of less traffic congestion and have to settle for the con of busy urban traffic
  • Time to bid farewell to lower liquor taxes and get used to higher alcohol taxes in Louisiana
  • Swap natural hot springs for hurricane risk areas

Arkansas vs. Louisiana: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonArkansasLouisiana
Most iconic local food itemFried CatfishGumbo
Most popular meat dishBarbecue RibsJambalaya
Most popular street food itemBarbecue NachosPo'boy
Most popular vegan foodBBQ JackfruitRed Beans and Rice
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • McClard's Bar-B-Q
  • Whole Hog Cafe
  • Sim's Barbecue
  • Commander's Palace
  • CafΓ© du Monde
  • Emeril's New Orleans
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10)πŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10)🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene (out of 10)🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly (out of 10)🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from Arkansas to Louisiana, you will be trading the iconic Fried Catfish of Arkansas for the equally delicious Gumbo of Louisiana. And while the locals in Arkansas rave about their flavorful Barbecue Ribs and sumptuous Barbecue Nachos, Louisiana residents know they have tasty Jambalaya and Po'boy 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 Red Beans and Rice of Louisiana. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Arkansas eateries like McClard's Bar-B-Q, Whole Hog Cafe, and Sim's Barbecue. After the boxes are unpacked in Louisiana, don't wait too long before making your way to Louisiana's acclaimed eateries like Commander's Palace, CafΓ© du Monde, and Emeril's New Orleans.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Arkansas and Louisiana

ComparisonArkansasLouisiana
Typical Architecture StyleColonial RevivalFrench Creole & Colonial
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, Natural SceneryHistoric Neighborhoods, Access to Waterways
  • The Colonial Revival architecture that Arkansas is known for will be replaced with the French Creole and Colonial architecture typical of Louisiana.
  • Compared to Arkansas's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and natural scenery, Louisiana real estate listings often highlight features like historic neighborhoods and access to waterways.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Louisiana is more walkable than Arkansas.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Louisiana is more bike-friendly than Arkansas.
  • Louisiana has more of an urban feel than Arkansas.
  • Louisiana housing costs are 2% less expensive than they are in Arkansas, with a median home price of $199,091 compared to Arkansas’s $203,305.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Louisiana have increased by 13% compared to a 41% increase in Arkansas.
  • Rent in Louisiana is 0.00% more expensive than in Arkansas.

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

ComparisonArkansasLouisiana
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, floodsHurricanes, floods
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)92Β°F / 73Β°F91Β°F / 75Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)50Β°F / 32Β°F62Β°F / 43Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)50"60"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)5"<1"
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Arkansas to Louisiana. Louisiana gets 1% fewer sunshine days than Arkansas.
  • Louisiana has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Arkansas.
  • Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and floods in Arkansas but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and floods in Louisiana.
  • The average summer high temperature in Louisiana is 1 degree colder than in Arkansas.
  • The average winter lows are 11 degrees warmer than they are in Arkansas.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Louisiana as it receives 10 more inches of rain compared to Arkansas.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Arkansas and Louisiana

ComparisonArkansasLouisiana
Avg. Household Income$55,432$55,416
Cost of Living Index90.596
State Income Tax5.9%6.0%
Avg. Property Tax0.61%0.53%
Avg. Sales Tax9.47%9.52%
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Manufacturing, RetailOil, Agriculture, Tourism
AffluenceModerateVaried
PovertyNoticeableSignificant
HomelessnessLowIncreasing
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Louisiana tend to earn about 0% less than in Arkansas
  • The COLI in Louisiana will be 6% higher than what you are used to living in Arkansas
  • The state income tax in LA is 6.0% compared to 5.9% in AR
  • The affluence in Louisiana is varied compared to moderate affluence in Arkansas
  • The poverty level is significant in Louisiana compared to noticeable poverty in Arkansas
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Arkansas and increasing in Louisiana

Political and Religious Climate in Arkansas vs. Louisiana

ComparisonArkansasLouisiana
Political Make-upTraditionally ConservativeMix of Conservative and Liberal
Local PoliticsRepublican Dominance in Recent YearsDemocratic Strongholds in Urban Areas
ReligionPrimarily Evangelical ChristianCatholic Majority with Evangelical Presence
  • Arkansas tends to lean traditionally Conservative in its political climate
  • Louisiana, on the other hand, is often described as a mix of Conservative and Liberal
  • Louisiana's religious environment can be described as a Catholic majority with an Evangelical presence
  • Arkansas' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as primarily Evangelical Christian

Education Guide When Moving from Arkansas to Louisiana

ComparisonArkansasLouisiana
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Arkansas
Arkansas State University
University of Central Arkansas
Louisiana State University
Tulane University
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsBaker Elementary - Little Rock
Forest Park Elementary - Little Rock
Vandergriff Elementary - Fayetteville
Lusher Charter - New Orleans
Lake Forest Elementary Charter - New Orleans
Baton Rouge Foreign Language Academy - Baton Rouge
Top 3 Middle SchoolsHaas Hall Academy - Fayetteville
Fulbright Junior High - Bentonville
Woodland Junior High - Fayetteville
Patrick F. Taylor Science & Technology Academy - Jefferson
Glasgow Middle School - Baton Rouge
Lusher Charter - New Orleans
Top 3 High SchoolsHaas Hall Academy - Bentonville
Central High School - Little Rock
Bentonville High School - Bentonville
Benjamin Franklin High School - New Orleans
Patrick F. Taylor Science & Technology Academy - Jefferson
Baton Rouge Magnet High School - Baton Rouge
Top 3 private high schoolsPulaski Academy - Little Rock
Mount St. Mary Academy - Little Rock
Episcopal Collegiate School - Little Rock
Isidore Newman School - New Orleans
Metairie Park Country Day School - Metairie
Episcopal School of Baton Rouge - Baton Rouge
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsLisa Academy - Little Rock
Arkansas Baptist School System - Little Rock
The New School - Fayetteville
Lusher Charter - New Orleans
Dunham School - Baton Rouge
Episcopal School of Baton Rouge - Baton Rouge
Top 3 School DistrictsBentonville School District
Fayetteville School District
Rogers School District
Orleans Parish School Board
Jefferson Parish Public System
Baton Rouge Public Schools

How Much Do Arkansas to Louisiana Movers Cost?

Moving 326 miles from Arkansas to Louisiana will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,000 - $5,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-2 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: B2 Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,387300 ft3$4.62
1 Bedroom$2,058450 ft3$4.57
2 Bedrooms$3,393750 ft3$4.52
3 Bedrooms$4,9221100 ft3$4.47
4 Bedrooms$7,0791600 ft3$4.42
5+ Bedrooms$7,8741800 ft3$4.37

Top Arkansas to Louisiana Movers

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

TOP PICK
B2 Moving featured image

B2 Moving

Best moving company overall for Arkansas to Louisiana

9.44/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Henry Hauling LLC featured image

Henry Hauling LLC

9.22/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Elite Moving

Elite Moving

8.88/10
Top Arkansas to Louisiana Routes

Little Rock to Louisiana