Arkansas to Massachusetts Moving Guide
Updated June 8, 2025

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
- Hot summers
- Limited public transit
- Fewer cultural events
- Lower educational ranking
- Flat terrain
- Mild summers
- Robust transit system
- Rich cultural scene
- Top-notch schools
- Beautiful landscapes
- High living expenses
- Adapting to new culture
- Busy urban environment
- Harsh winters
- Fast-paced lifestyle
- 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
Comparison | Arkansas | Massachusetts |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Fried Catfish | Clam Chowder |
Most popular meat dish | Barbecue Ribs | Lobster Roll |
Most popular street food item | Barbecue Nachos | Food Truck Lobster Rolls |
Most popular vegan food | Vegetable Gumbo | Vegan Clam Chowder |
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 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
Comparison | Arkansas | Massachusetts |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Ranch and Craftsman | Colonial and Victorian |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Large yards, lakefront | Accessibility, 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 Arkansasβs $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
Comparison | Arkansas | Massachusetts |
---|---|---|
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 | Tornados, Floods | Blizzards, Nor'easters |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 92Β°F / 73Β°F | 82Β°F / 62Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 51Β°F / 32Β°F | 37Β°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
Comparison | Arkansas | Massachusetts |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $55,432 | $94,488 |
Cost of Living Index | 90.5 | 121.55 |
State Income Tax | 5.5 | 5.0 |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.61 | 1.23 |
Avg. Sales Tax | 9.51 | 6.25 |
Top 3 Industries | Agriculture, Retail, Manufacturing | Healthcare, Education, Technology |
Affluence | Moderate | High |
Poverty | Significant | Low |
Homelessness | Low | Moderate |
- 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
Comparison | Arkansas | Massachusetts |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Generally conservative, especially in rural areas. | Predominantly liberal, especially in urban areas like Boston. |
Local Politics | Local governance can vary, with politics leaning more conservative. | Local politics tend to be progressive, especially in policies relating to healthcare, education, and environment. |
Religion | High 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
Comparison | Arkansas | Massachusetts |
---|---|---|
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 Schools | Baker 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 Schools | Pulaski 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 Schools | Haas 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 schools | Shiloh 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 schools | The 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 Districts | Bentonville 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 SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $2,001 | 300 ft3 | $6.67 |
1 Bedroom | $2,979 | 450 ft3 | $6.62 |
2 Bedrooms | $4,928 | 750 ft3 | $6.57 |
3 Bedrooms | $7,173 | 1100 ft3 | $6.52 |
4 Bedrooms | $10,354 | 1600 ft3 | $6.47 |
5+ Bedrooms | $11,558 | 1800 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.

Paradise Moving & Storage
Best moving company overall for Arkansas to Massachusetts