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Arkansas to North Carolina Moving Guide

Updated June 7, 2025

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Planning a 845 mile interstate move from Arkansas to North Carolina? This moving guide will help you compare living in Arkansas vs North Carolina across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like hot summers vs mild climate), food & health (like Fried Catfish vs Pulled Pork BBQ), real estate & housing (ranch vs colonial revival), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in North Carolina), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Fried Catfish and Smoked Ribs, but get your taste buds ready for Pulled Pork BBQ & Eastern NC BBQ
  • North Carolina housing costs are 62% more expensive than they are in Arkansas
  • Rent in North Carolina is 31.62% more expensive than in Arkansas
  • Moving from Arkansas to North Carolina will cost on average between $1,500 - $6,000
  • Our top recommended Arkansas to North Carolina movers is Just Move It, LLC

Arkansas to North Carolina Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Arkansas to North Carolina

ConsArkansas iconArkansas
  • Hot summers
  • Limited mountains
  • Fewer tech jobs
  • Less cultural diversity
ProsNorth Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • Mild climate
  • Scenic Blue Ridge Mountains
  • Tech industry growth
  • Rich cultural mix

North Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • Higher property prices
  • More crowded cities
  • Busy urban areas
  • Adjusting to new environment
Arkansas iconArkansas
  • Affordable housing
  • Lower population density
  • Quiet lifestyle
  • Familiar surroundings

Pros of moving from Arkansas to North Carolina

  • Say goodbye to hot summers and hello to a mild climate
  • Look forward to moving away from limited mountains and moving to North Carolina with scenic Blue Ridge Mountains
  • Swap the fewer tech jobs of Arkansas for tech industry growth in North Carolina
  • Get ready for a rich cultural mix in North Carolina

Cons of moving from Arkansas to North Carolina

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from affordable housing in Arkansas to live with higher property prices in North Carolina
  • You'll lose out on the pro of lower population density and have to settle for the con of more crowded cities
  • Time to bid farewell to a quiet lifestyle and get used to busy urban areas in North Carolina
  • Swap familiar surroundings for adjusting to a new environment

Arkansas vs. North Carolina: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonArkansasNorth Carolina
Most iconic local food itemFried CatfishPulled Pork BBQ
Most popular meat dishSmoked RibsEastern NC BBQ
Most popular street food itemArkansas Cheese DipHot Dogs
Most popular vegan foodBBQ JackfruitCarolina-style Tofu
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • South on Main
  • McClard's BBQ
  • Doe's Eat Place
  • The Pit
  • Buxton Hall Barbecue
  • Cook Out
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 North Carolina, you will be trading the iconic Fried Catfish of Arkansas for the equally delicious Pulled Pork BBQ of North Carolina. And while the locals in Arkansas rave about their flavorful Smoked Ribs and sumptuous Arkansas Cheese Dip, North Carolina residents know they have tasty Eastern NC BBQ and Hot Dogs 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 Carolina-style Tofu of North Carolina. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Arkansas eateries like South on Main, McClard's BBQ, and Doe's Eat Place. After the boxes are unpacked in North Carolina, don't wait too long before making your way to North Carolina's acclaimed eateries like The Pit, Buxton Hall Barbecue, and Cook Out.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Arkansas and North Carolina

ComparisonArkansasNorth Carolina
Typical Architecture StyleRanchColonial Revival
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 lots, countrysideProximity to amenities, modern kitchens
  • The Ranch architecture that Arkansas is known for will be replaced with the Colonial Revival architecture typical of North Carolina.
  • Compared to Arkansas's real estate listings that commonly reference large lots and countryside, North Carolina real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to amenities and modern kitchens.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; North Carolina is more walkable than Arkansas.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike; North Carolina is more bike-friendly than Arkansas.
  • North Carolina has more of an urban feel than Arkansas.
  • North Carolina housing costs are 62% more expensive than they are in Arkansas, with a median home price of $329,225 compared to Arkansas’s $203,305.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in North Carolina have increased by 63% compared to a 41% increase in Arkansas.
  • Rent in North Carolina is 31.62% more expensive than in Arkansas.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Arkansas and North Carolina

ComparisonArkansasNorth Carolina
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, StormsHurricanes, Storms
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)92/7288/67
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)50/3052/32
Annual Rainfall (Inches)5053
Annual Snowfall (Inches)57
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Arkansas to North Carolina. North Carolina gets 2% fewer sunshine days than Arkansas.
  • North Carolina has lower humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Arkansas.
  • Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and storms in Arkansas, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and storms in North Carolina.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in North Carolina is 4 degrees colder than in Arkansas.
  • The average winter lows are 2 degrees warmer than they are in Arkansas.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in North Carolina. North Carolina receives 3 more inches of rain compared to Arkansas.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Arkansas and North Carolina

ComparisonArkansasNorth Carolina
Avg. Household Income$55,432$67,481
Cost of Living Index90.595.85
State Income Tax5.9%5.25%
Avg. Property Tax0.61%0.86%
Avg. Sales Tax9.53%6.99%
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Retail, ManufacturingTechnology, Finance, Healthcare
AffluenceModestModerate
PovertyModerateModerate
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in North Carolina tend to earn about 22% more than in Arkansas
  • The COLI in North Carolina will be 6% higher than what you are used to living in Arkansas
  • The state income tax in NC is 5.25% compared to 5.9% in AR
  • The affluence in North Carolina is moderate compared to modest in Arkansas
  • The poverty level is moderate in North Carolina compared to moderate in Arkansas
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Arkansas and moderate in North Carolina

Political and Religious Climate in Arkansas vs. North Carolina

ComparisonArkansasNorth Carolina
Political Make-upTraditionally leans RepublicanSwing state, with mixed political leanings
Local PoliticsLargely conservative, especially in rural areasDiverse political views, urban areas lean more Democratic
ReligionHighly religious, predominantly ChristianModerately religious, varied religious communities
  • Arkansas tends to lean Republican in its political climate
  • North Carolina, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state with mixed political leanings
  • North Carolina's religious environment can be described as moderately religious with varied religious communities
  • Arkansas' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as highly religious and predominantly Christian

Education Guide When Moving from Arkansas to North Carolina

ComparisonArkansasNorth Carolina
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Arkansas
Arkansas State University
University of Central Arkansas
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
North Carolina State University
Duke University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsBaker Interdistrict Elementary School (Little Rock)
Forest Park Elementary (Little Rock)
Vandergriff Elementary (Fayetteville)
Endhaven Elementary (Charlotte)
Morrisville Elementary (Morrisville)
Sterling Montessori Academy (Morrisville)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsLISA Academy North Middle (Sherwood)
Haas Hall Academy (Fayetteville)
Bentonville Middle
Community House Middle School (Charlotte)
Jay M. Robinson Middle (Charlotte)
Ligon Middle School (Raleigh)
Top 3 High SchoolsHaas Hall Academy (Fayetteville)
Bentonville High School
Little Rock Central High School
North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (Durham)
The Early College at Guilford (Greensboro)
Raleigh Charter High School
Top 3 private high schoolsPulaski Academy (Little Rock)
Little Rock Christian Academy
Shiloh Christian School (Springdale)
Charlotte Latin School
Durham Academy
Cary Academy
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsSubiaco Academy
Episcopal Collegiate School (Little Rock)
Mount St. Mary Academy (Little Rock)
Charlotte Country Day School
Ravenscroft School (Raleigh)
Greensboro Day School
Top 3 School DistrictsBentonville School District
Fayetteville Public Schools
Little Rock School District
Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools
Wake County Public School System
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools

How Much Do Arkansas to North Carolina Movers Cost?

Moving 845 miles from Arkansas to North Carolina will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-10 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Raleigh Moving Company
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,682300 ft3$5.61
1 Bedroom$2,500450 ft3$5.56
2 Bedrooms$4,129750 ft3$5.51
3 Bedrooms$6,0011100 ft3$5.46
4 Bedrooms$8,6481600 ft3$5.41
5+ Bedrooms$9,6391800 ft3$5.36

Top Arkansas to North Carolina Movers

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

TOP PICK
Just Move It, LLC featured image

Just Move It, LLC

Best moving company overall for Arkansas to North Carolina

9.50/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Illuminated Moving & Packing featured image

Illuminated Moving & Packing

9.49/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
B2 Moving featured image

B2 Moving

9.44/10
ExceptionalView details