Arkansas to Minnesota Moving Guide
Updated June 15, 2025

Planning a 1,036 mile interstate move from Arkansas to Minnesota? This moving guide will help you compare living in Arkansas vs Minnesota across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high humidity vs cooler summers), food & health (like Fried Catfish vs Hotdish), real estate & housing (ranch, craftsman vs prairie, tudor), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Minnesota), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Fried Catfish and Barbecue Ribs, but get your taste buds ready for Hotdish & Walleye
- Minnesota housing costs are 63% more expensive than they are in Arkansas
- Rent in Minnesota is 26.62% more expensive than in Arkansas
- Moving from Arkansas to Minnesota will cost on average between $2,000 - $6,500
- Our top recommended Arkansas to Minnesota movers is Metro Movers
Top Arkansas to Minnesota Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Arkansas to Minnesota movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

Metro Movers
Best moving company overall for Arkansas to Minnesota

B2 Moving

General Expert Moving Service LLC
Arkansas to Minnesota Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Arkansas to Minnesota
- High humidity
- Fewer cultural events
- Limited public transit
- Severe tornadoes
- Small urban centers
- Cooler summers
- Vibrant arts scene
- Extensive metro system
- Less frequent tornadoes
- Larger cities
- Higher expenses
- Harsh winters
- Higher taxes
- Lack of barbecue options
- Urban sprawl
- Cost of living
- Mild winters
- Lower taxes
- Southern cuisine
- Rural beauty
Pros of moving from Arkansas to Minnesota
- Say goodbye to high humidity and hello to cooler summers
- Look forward to moving away from fewer cultural events and moving to Minnesota with a vibrant arts scene
- Swap the limited public transit of Arkansas for an extensive metro system in Minnesota
- Get ready for less frequent tornadoes in Minnesota
Cons of moving from Arkansas to Minnesota
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the cost of living in Arkansas to live with higher expenses in Minnesota
- You'll lose out on the pro of mild winters and have to settle for the con of harsh winters
- Time to bid farewell to lower taxes and get used to higher taxes in Minnesota
- Swap southern cuisine for a lack of barbecue options
Arkansas vs. Minnesota: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Arkansas | Minnesota |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Fried Catfish | Hotdish |
Most popular meat dish | Barbecue Ribs | Walleye |
Most popular street food item | Pulled Pork Sandwich | Juicy Lucy |
Most popular vegan food | Black Bean Burgers | Wild Rice Burgers |
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 Minnesota, you will be trading the iconic Fried Catfish of Arkansas for the equally delicious Hotdish of Minnesota. And while the locals in Arkansas rave about their flavorful Barbecue Ribs and sumptuous Pulled Pork Sandwich, Minnesota residents know they have tasty Walleye and Juicy Lucy to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Black Bean Burgers they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Wild Rice Burgers of Minnesota. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Arkansas eateries like Joe's Barbeque Company, Sonny Williams' Steak Room, and Sim's Barbeque. After the boxes are unpacked in Minnesota, don't wait too long before making your way to Minnesota's acclaimed eateries like Matt's Bar, Hell's Kitchen, and Cafe Alma.
When comparing lifestyles, Minnesota shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Arkansas. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Minnesota compared to what you are used to in Arkansas. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Minnesota.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Arkansas and Minnesota
Comparison | Arkansas | Minnesota |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Ranch, Craftsman | Prairie, Tudor |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Large yards, proximity to nature | Energy efficiency, near parks |
- The Ranch and Craftsman architecture that Arkansas is known for will be replaced with the Prairie and Tudor architecture typical of Minnesota.
- Compared to Arkansas's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and proximity to nature, Minnesota real estate listings often highlight features like energy efficiency and being near parks.
- Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Minnesota is more walkable than Arkansas.
- Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Minnesota is more bike-friendly than Arkansas.
- Minnesota has more of an urban feel than Arkansas.
- Minnesota housing costs are 63% more expensive than they are in Arkansas, with a median home price of $331,117 compared to Arkansasβs $203,305.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Minnesota have increased by 33% compared to a 41% increase in Arkansas.
- Rent in Minnesota is 26.62% more expensive than in Arkansas.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Arkansas and Minnesota
Comparison | Arkansas | Minnesota |
---|---|---|
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 | Snowstorms, Tornadoes |
Air Quality | Good | Good to Moderate |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 92Β°F / 72Β°F | 83Β°F / 63Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 51Β°F / 32Β°F | 23Β°F / 7Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 50" | 28-32" |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 5" | 36-70" |
- The shades won't be used as much for your move from Arkansas to Minnesota. Minnesota gets 9% fewer sunshine days than Arkansas.
- Minnesota 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 snowstorms and tornadoes in Minnesota.
- Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Minnesota is 9 degrees colder than in Arkansas.
- The average winter lows are 25 degrees colder than they are in Arkansas.
- Your umbrella might be neglected in Minnesota. Minnesota receives 22 fewer inches of rain compared to Arkansas.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Arkansas and Minnesota
Comparison | Arkansas | Minnesota |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $55,432 | $82,338 |
Cost of Living Index | 90.5 | 98.75 |
State Income Tax | 5.5% | 9.85% |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.61% | 1.15% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 6.5% | 7.875% |
Top 3 Industries | Retail, Agriculture, Manufacturing | Healthcare, Manufacturing, Education |
Affluence | Modest | Wealthy |
Poverty | High | Moderate |
Homelessness | Low | Moderate |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Minnesota tend to earn about 49% more than in Arkansas
- The COLI in Minnesota is 9% higher than what you are used to living in Arkansas
- The state income tax in MN is 9.85% compared to 5.5% in AR
- The affluence in Minnesota is wealthy compared to modest in Arkansas
- The poverty level is moderate in Minnesota compared to high in Arkansas
- In terms of homelessness, it is low in Arkansas and moderate in Minnesota
Political and Religious Climate in Arkansas vs. Minnesota
Comparison | Arkansas | Minnesota |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Conservative | Liberal |
Local Politics | More Republican in rural areas | Mix of Democratic in urban areas and Republican in rural areas |
Religion | Protestant majority | Lutheran majority |
- Arkansas tends to lean conservative in its political climate
- Minnesota, on the other hand, is often described as liberal
- Minnesota's religious environment can be described as a Lutheran majority
- Arkansas' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Protestant majority
Education Guide When Moving from Arkansas to Minnesota
Comparison | Arkansas | Minnesota |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | University of Arkansas Arkansas State University University of Central Arkansas | University of Minnesota Minnesota State University University of St. Thomas |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Vandergriff Elementary - Fayetteville Baker Interdistrict Elementary - Little Rock Forest Park Elementary - Little Rock | Scenic Heights Elementary - Minnetonka Deephaven Elementary - Deephaven Creek Valley Elementary - Edina |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Lisa Academy - Little Rock Fulbright Junior High - Bentonville Woodland Junior High - Fayetteville | Wayzata Central Middle School - Plymouth Minnetonka Middle School East - Minnetonka Maple Grove Middle School - Maple Grove |
Top 3 High Schools | Haas Hall Academy - Fayetteville Little Rock Central High School - Little Rock Bentonville High School - Bentonville | Edina High School - Edina Minnetonka High School - Minnetonka Wayzata High School - Plymouth |
Top 3 private high schools | Pulaski Academy - Little Rock Shiloh Christian School - Springdale Little Rock Christian Academy - Little Rock | Breck School - Golden Valley Blake School - Minneapolis St. Paul Academy - St. Paul |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | Lisa Academy - Little Rock The New School - Fayetteville Arkansas Baptist School - Little Rock | Breck School - Golden Valley Blake School - Minneapolis Mounds Park Academy - St. Paul |
Top 3 School Districts | Bentonville School District Fayetteville School District Little Rock School District | Edina Public Schools Minnetonka Public Schools Wayzata Public Schools |
How Much Do Arkansas to Minnesota Movers Cost?
Moving 1,036 miles from Arkansas to Minnesota will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
- Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,500
- Expected Time To Complete: 2-6 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Metro Movers
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,790 | 300 ft3 | $5.97 |
1 Bedroom | $2,662 | 450 ft3 | $5.92 |
2 Bedrooms | $4,400 | 750 ft3 | $5.87 |
3 Bedrooms | $6,398 | 1100 ft3 | $5.82 |
4 Bedrooms | $9,226 | 1600 ft3 | $5.77 |
5+ Bedrooms | $10,289 | 1800 ft3 | $5.72 |