Movers

Arkansas to Massachusetts Moving Guide

Updated June 8, 2025

Hero background image

Planning a 1,409 mile interstate move from Arkansas to Massachusetts? This moving guide will help you compare living in Arkansas vs Massachusetts across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like hot summers vs mild summers), food & health (like Fried Catfish vs Clam Chowder), real estate & housing (ranch and craftsman vs colonial and victorian), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Massachusetts), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Fried Catfish and Barbecue Ribs, but get your taste buds ready for Clam Chowder & Lobster Roll
  • Massachusetts housing costs are 201% more expensive than they are in Arkansas
  • Rent in Massachusetts is 92.92% more expensive than in Arkansas
  • Moving from Arkansas to Massachusetts will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,000
  • Our top recommended Arkansas to Massachusetts movers is Paradise Moving & Storage

Arkansas to Massachusetts Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Arkansas to Massachusetts

ConsArkansas iconArkansas
  • Hot summers
  • Limited public transit
  • Fewer cultural events
  • Lower educational ranking
  • Flat terrain
ProsMassachusetts iconMassachusetts
  • Mild summers
  • Robust transit system
  • Rich cultural scene
  • Top-notch schools
  • Beautiful landscapes

Massachusetts iconMassachusetts
  • High living expenses
  • Adapting to new culture
  • Busy urban environment
  • Harsh winters
  • Fast-paced lifestyle
Arkansas iconArkansas
  • Low cost of living
  • Familiar community
  • Quiet rural areas
  • Mild winters
  • Southern hospitality

Pros of moving from Arkansas to Massachusetts

  • Say goodbye to hot summers and hello to mild summers
  • Look forward to moving away from limited public transit and moving to Massachusetts with a robust transit system
  • Swap the fewer cultural events of Arkansas for a rich cultural scene in Massachusetts
  • Get ready for top-notch schools in Massachusetts

Cons of moving from Arkansas to Massachusetts

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a low cost of living in Arkansas to live with high living expenses in Massachusetts
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a familiar community and have to settle for the con of adapting to a new culture
  • Time to bid farewell to quiet rural areas and get used to a busy urban environment in Massachusetts
  • Swap mild winters for harsh winters

Arkansas vs. Massachusetts: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonArkansasMassachusetts
Most iconic local food itemFried CatfishClam Chowder
Most popular meat dishBarbecue RibsLobster Roll
Most popular street food itemBarbecue NachosFood Truck Lobster Rolls
Most popular vegan foodVegetable GumboVegan Clam Chowder
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • McClard's Bar-B-Q
  • The Southern Grist
  • Ozark Cafe
  • Union Oyster House
  • Neptune Oyster
  • Island Creek Oyster Bar
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 Massachusetts, you will be trading the iconic Fried Catfish of Arkansas for the equally delicious Clam Chowder of Massachusetts. And while the locals in Arkansas rave about their flavorful Barbecue Ribs and sumptuous Barbecue Nachos, Massachusetts residents know they have tasty Lobster Roll and Food Truck Lobster Rolls to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegetable Gumbo they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Clam Chowder of Massachusetts. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Arkansas eateries like McClard's Bar-B-Q, The Southern Grist, and Ozark Cafe. After the boxes are unpacked in Massachusetts, don't wait too long before making your way to Massachusetts' acclaimed eateries like Union Oyster House, Neptune Oyster, and Island Creek Oyster Bar.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Arkansas and Massachusetts

ComparisonArkansasMassachusetts
Typical Architecture StyleRanch and CraftsmanColonial and Victorian
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, lakefrontAccessibility, historic charm
  • The Ranch and Craftsman architecture that Arkansas is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Victorian architecture typical of Massachusetts.
  • Compared to Arkansas's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and lakefront, Massachusetts real estate listings often highlight features like accessibility and historic charm.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Massachusetts is more walkable than Arkansas.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Massachusetts is more bike-friendly than Arkansas.
  • Massachusetts has more of an urban feel than Arkansas.
  • Massachusetts housing costs are 201% more expensive than they are in Arkansas with a median home price of $612,509 compared to Arkansas’s $203,305.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Massachusetts have increased by 46% compared to a 41% increase in Arkansas.
  • Rent in Massachusetts is 92.92% more expensive than in Arkansas.

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

ComparisonArkansasMassachusetts
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 DisastersTornados, FloodsBlizzards, Nor'easters
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)92Β°F / 73Β°F82Β°F / 62Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)51Β°F / 32Β°F37Β°F / 22Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)50"47"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)5"48"
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Arkansas to Massachusetts. Massachusetts gets 8% fewer sunshine days than Arkansas.
  • Massachusetts 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 blizzards and nor'easters in Massachusetts.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Massachusetts is 10 degrees colder than in Arkansas.
  • The average winter lows are 10 degrees colder than they are in Arkansas.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Massachusetts. Massachusetts receives 3 fewer inches of rain compared to Arkansas.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Arkansas and Massachusetts

ComparisonArkansasMassachusetts
Avg. Household Income$55,432$94,488
Cost of Living Index90.5121.55
State Income Tax5.55.0
Avg. Property Tax0.611.23
Avg. Sales Tax9.516.25
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Retail, ManufacturingHealthcare, Education, Technology
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertySignificantLow
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Massachusetts tend to earn about 70% more than those in Arkansas
  • The COLI in Massachusetts is 34% higher than what you are used to living in Arkansas
  • The state income tax in MA is 5.0 compared to 5.5 in AR
  • The affluence in Massachusetts is high compared to moderate affluence in Arkansas
  • The poverty level is low in Massachusetts compared to significant poverty in Arkansas
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Arkansas and moderate in Massachusetts

Political and Religious Climate in Arkansas vs. Massachusetts

ComparisonArkansasMassachusetts
Political Make-upGenerally conservative, especially in rural areas.Predominantly liberal, especially in urban areas like Boston.
Local PoliticsLocal governance can vary, with politics leaning more conservative.Local politics tend to be progressive, especially in policies relating to healthcare, education, and environment.
ReligionHigh percentage of Christian denominations, including Baptist and Methodist.More diverse religious landscape, with a higher percentage of non-religious residents and various faith communities.
  • Arkansas tends to lean generally conservative in its political climate
  • Massachusetts, on the other hand, is often described as predominantly liberal, especially in urban areas like Boston
  • Massachusetts' religious environment can be described as a more diverse religious landscape, with a higher percentage of non-religious residents and various faith communities
  • Arkansas' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a high percentage of Christian denominations, including Baptist and Methodist

Education Guide When Moving from Arkansas to Massachusetts

ComparisonArkansasMassachusetts
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Arkansas
Arkansas State University
University of Central Arkansas
Harvard University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Boston University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsBaker Interdistrict Elementary (Little Rock)
Forest Park Elementary (Little Rock)
Don Roberts Elementary (Little Rock)
Edward Brooke Charter School (Boston)
Healey School (Somerville)
Brackett Elementary (Arlington)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsPulaski Heights Middle School (Little Rock)
Pinnacle View Middle School (Little Rock)
Joe T. Robinson Middle School (Little Rock)
Community Day Charter Public School (Lawrence)
Winchester Thurston School (Winchester)
Eliot K-8 School (Boston)
Top 3 High SchoolsHaas Hall Academy (Fayetteville)
Bentonville High School (Bentonville)
Central High School (Little Rock)
Massachusetts Academy of Math & Science (Worcester)
Lexington High School (Lexington)
Boston Latin School (Boston)
Top 3 private high schoolsShiloh Christian School (Springdale)
Little Rock Christian Academy (Little Rock)
Episcopal Collegiate School (Little Rock)
Phillips Academy (Andover)
Milton Academy (Milton)
Noble and Greenough School (Dedham)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Anthony School (Little Rock)
Northwest Arkansas Classical Academy (Bentonville)
LISA Academy (Little Rock)
The Winsor School (Boston)
Concord Academy (Concord)
Belmont Hill School (Belmont)
Top 3 School DistrictsBentonville School District
Fayetteville Public Schools
Rogers School District
Weston Public Schools
Lexington Public Schools
Wayland Public Schools

How Much Do Arkansas to Massachusetts Movers Cost?

Moving 1,409 miles from Arkansas to Massachusetts will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,000 - $7,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Centaur Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,001300 ft3$6.67
1 Bedroom$2,979450 ft3$6.62
2 Bedrooms$4,928750 ft3$6.57
3 Bedrooms$7,1731100 ft3$6.52
4 Bedrooms$10,3541600 ft3$6.47
5+ Bedrooms$11,5581800 ft3$6.42

Top Arkansas to Massachusetts Movers

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

TOP PICK
Paradise Moving & Storage featured image

Paradise Moving & Storage

Best moving company overall for Arkansas to Massachusetts

9.71/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Stairhopper Movers featured image

Stairhopper Movers

9.66/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
B2 Moving featured image

B2 Moving

9.44/10
ExceptionalView details
Top Arkansas to Massachusetts Routes

Little Rock to Massachusetts