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Arkansas to New York Moving Guide

Updated June 17, 2025

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Planning a 1,285 mile interstate move from Arkansas to New York? This moving guide will help you compare living in Arkansas vs New York across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like limited public transport vs extensive subway system), food & health (like Fried Catfish vs Bagels), real estate & housing (craftsman, ranch vs colonial, brownstone), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in New York), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Fried Catfish and Smoked Ribs, but get your taste buds ready for Bagels & Pastrami on Rye
  • New York housing costs are 127% more expensive than they are in Arkansas
  • Rent in New York is 89.86% more expensive than in Arkansas
  • Moving from Arkansas to New York will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,000
  • Our top recommended Arkansas to New York movers is JP Urban Moving

Arkansas to New York Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Arkansas to New York

ConsArkansas iconArkansas
  • Limited public transport
  • Fewer job opportunities
  • Lack of cultural diversity
  • Less entertainment options
  • Fewer lifestyle amenities
ProsNew York iconNew York
  • Extensive subway system
  • Thriving job market
  • Cultural melting pot
  • Vibrant nightlife
  • Abundance of services

New York iconNew York
  • Expensive housing
  • Limited space
  • Constant noise
  • Anonymity of city life
  • Fast-paced lifestyle
Arkansas iconArkansas
  • Lower cost of living
  • Spacious living spaces
  • Quieter environment
  • Close-knit community
  • Relaxed lifestyle

Pros of moving from Arkansas to New York

  • Say goodbye to limited public transport and hello to an extensive subway system
  • Look forward to moving away from fewer job opportunities and moving to New York with a thriving job market
  • Swap the lack of cultural diversity of Arkansas for the cultural melting pot in New York
  • Get ready for a vibrant nightlife in New York

Cons of moving from Arkansas to New York

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a lower cost of living in Arkansas to live with expensive housing in New York
  • You'll lose out on the pro of spacious living spaces and have to settle with the con of limited space
  • Time to bid farewell to a quieter environment and get used to the constant noise in New York
  • Swap a close-knit community for the anonymity of city life

Arkansas vs. New York: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonArkansasNew York
Most iconic local food itemFried CatfishBagels
Most popular meat dishSmoked RibsPastrami on Rye
Most popular street food itemFried PicklesPizza
Most popular vegan foodVegan BBQ SandwichSeitan Steak
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
    • McClard's Bar-B-Q
    • Ye Olde King Pizza
    • The Pantry
    • Katz's Delicatessen
    • Dominique Ansel Bakery
    • Peter Luger Steak House
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 New York, you will be trading the iconic Fried Catfish of Arkansas for the equally delicious Bagels of New York. And while the locals in Arkansas rave about their flavorful Smoked Ribs and sumptuous Fried Pickles, New York residents know they have tasty Pastrami on Rye and Pizza to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegan BBQ Sandwich they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Seitan Steak of New York. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Arkansas eateries like McClard's Bar-B-Q, Ye Olde King Pizza, and The Pantry. After the boxes are unpacked in New York, don't wait too long before making your way to New York's acclaimed eateries like Katz's Delicatessen, Dominique Ansel Bakery, and Peter Luger Steak House.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Arkansas and New York

ComparisonArkansasNew York
Typical Architecture StyleCraftsman, RanchColonial, Brownstone
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 listingSpacious yards, Natural sceneryClose to public transport, Proximity to amenities
  • The Craftsman and Ranch architecture that Arkansas is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Brownstone architecture typical of New York.
  • Compared to Arkansas's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and natural scenery, New York real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to public transport and amenities.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; New York is more walkable than Arkansas.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike; New York is more bike-friendly than Arkansas.
  • New York has more of an urban feel than Arkansas.
  • New York housing costs are 127% more expensive than they are in Arkansas, with a median home price of $460,812 compared to Arkansas's $203,305.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in New York have increased 36% compared to a 41% increase in Arkansas.
  • Rent in New York is 89.86% more expensive than in Arkansas.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Arkansas and New York

ComparisonArkansasNew York
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, FloodsBlizzards, Hurricanes
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)92Β°F / 72Β°F82Β°F / 62Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)50Β°F / 32Β°F38Β°F / 20Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)50"42"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)5"25"
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Arkansas to New York. New York gets 3% more sunshine days than Arkansas.
  • New York 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 hurricanes in New York.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in New York is 10 degrees colder than in Arkansas.
  • The average winter lows in New York are 12 degrees colder than those in Arkansas.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in New York. New York receives 8 fewer inches of rain compared to Arkansas.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Arkansas and New York

ComparisonArkansasNew York
Avg. Household Income$55,432$79,557
Cost of Living Index90.5102.8
State Income Tax5.98.82
Avg. Property Tax0.611.68
Avg. Sales Tax9.478.52
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Manufacturing, RetailFinance, Tourism, Healthcare
AffluenceModestHigh
PovertyModerateLower
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in New York tend to earn about 44% more than in Arkansas
  • The COLI in New York is 14% higher than what you are used to living in Arkansas
  • The state income tax in NY is 8.82 compared to 5.9 in AR
  • The affluence in New York is high compared to modest affluence in Arkansas
  • The poverty level is lower in New York compared to moderate poverty in Arkansas
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Arkansas and moderate in New York

Political and Religious Climate in Arkansas vs. New York

ComparisonArkansasNew York
Political Make-upConservativeLiberal
Local PoliticsRepublican dominance in state governmentDemocratic control of most city and state offices
ReligionPrimarily Protestant ChristianDiverse, with a significant Catholic population and variety of other religious affiliations
  • Arkansas tends to lean conservative in its political climate
  • New York, on the other hand, is often described as liberal
  • New York's religious environment can be described as diverse with a significant Catholic population and a variety of other religious affiliations
  • Arkansas' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as primarily Protestant Christian

Education Guide When Moving from Arkansas to New York

ComparisonArkansasNew York
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Arkansas
Arkansas State University
University of Central Arkansas
New York University
Columbia University
Cornell University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsBaker Interdistrict Elementary School
Little Rock
Forest Park Elementary
Little Rock
Parkers Chapel Elementary
El Dorado
PS 77 Lower Lab School
New York
PS 234 Independence School
New York
Success Academy Charter School-Union Square
New York
Top 3 Middle SchoolsLisa Academy North Middle School
Sherwood
Haas Hall Academy
Fayetteville
Valley Springs Middle School
Valley Springs
East Side Middle School
New York
Success Academy Bronx 2 Middle School
Bronx
Jericho Middle School
Jericho
Top 3 High SchoolsHaas Hall Academy
Bentonville
Bentonville High School
Bentonville
Greenwood High School
Greenwood
Stuyvesant High School
New York
Bronx High School of Science
Bronx
Syosset Senior High School
Syosset
Top 3 private high schoolsPulaski Academy
Little Rock
Shiloh Christian School
Springdale
Little Rock Christian Academy
Little Rock
Horace Mann School
Bronx
The Spence School
New York
Collegiate School
New York
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsSubiaco Academy
Subiaco
Trinity Christian School
Texarkana
Little Rock Christian Academy
Little Rock
Riverdale Country School
Bronx
Trinity School
New York
Rye Country Day School
Rye
Top 3 School DistrictsBentonville School District
Fayetteville School District
Rogers School District
Great Neck School District
Scarsdale Union Free School District
Syosset Central School District

How Much Do Arkansas to New York Movers Cost?

Moving 1,285 miles from Arkansas to New York 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 - $7,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-7 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Magical Moving & Storage
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,931300 ft3$6.44
1 Bedroom$2,874450 ft3$6.39
2 Bedrooms$4,752750 ft3$6.34
3 Bedrooms$6,9151100 ft3$6.29
4 Bedrooms$9,9791600 ft3$6.24
5+ Bedrooms$11,1361800 ft3$6.19

Top Arkansas to New York Movers

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

TOP PICK
JP Urban Moving featured image

JP Urban Moving

Best moving company overall for Arkansas to New York

9.85/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Metropolis Moving featured image

Metropolis Moving

9.72/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
B2 Moving featured image

B2 Moving

9.44/10
ExceptionalView details
Top Arkansas to New York Routes

Little Rock to New York