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Arkansas to Pennsylvania Moving Guide

Updated June 21, 2025

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Planning a 1,062 mile interstate move from Arkansas to Pennsylvania? This moving guide will help you compare living in Arkansas vs Pennsylvania across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like hot and humid summers vs cooler summer temperatures), food & health (like Fried Catfish vs Philly Cheesesteak), real estate & housing (craftsman vs colonial), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Pennsylvania), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Fried Catfish and Barbecue Ribs, but get your taste buds ready for Philly Cheesesteak & Pork and Sauerkraut
  • Pennsylvania housing costs are 29% more expensive than they are in Arkansas
  • Rent in Pennsylvania is 12.75% more expensive than in Arkansas
  • Moving from Arkansas to Pennsylvania will cost on average between $2,000 - $6,500
  • Our top recommended Arkansas to Pennsylvania movers is Pittsburgh Moving

Arkansas to Pennsylvania Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Arkansas to Pennsylvania

ConsArkansas iconArkansas
  • Hot and humid summers
  • Limited public transit
  • Less diverse economy
  • Lower educational attainment
  • Less urban infrastructure
ProsPennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Cooler summer temperatures
  • Efficient transportation system
  • Diverse job market
  • Renowned universities
  • Rich urban amenities

Pennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Higher living expenses
  • Colder winters
  • Faster-paced lifestyle
  • Less focus on agriculture
  • Less rural scenery
Arkansas iconArkansas
  • Affordable living costs
  • Warmer winter weather
  • Slower pace of life
  • Strong agricultural sector
  • Natural beauty

Pros of moving from Arkansas to Pennsylvania

  • Say goodbye to hot and humid summers and hello to cooler summer temperatures
  • Look forward to moving away from limited public transit and moving to Pennsylvania with an efficient transportation system
  • Swap the less diverse economy of Arkansas for a diverse job market in Pennsylvania
  • Get ready for renowned universities in Pennsylvania

Cons of moving from Arkansas to Pennsylvania

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from affordable living costs in Arkansas to live with higher living expenses in Pennsylvania
  • You'll lose out on the pro of warmer winter weather and have to settle for the con of colder winters
  • Time to bid farewell to a slower pace of life and get used to a faster-paced lifestyle in Pennsylvania
  • Swap a strong agricultural sector for less focus on agriculture

Arkansas vs. Pennsylvania: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonArkansasPennsylvania
Most iconic local food itemFried CatfishPhilly Cheesesteak
Most popular meat dishBarbecue RibsPork and Sauerkraut
Most popular street food itemFried PicklesSoft Pretzel
Most popular vegan foodBlack Bean BurgerMushroom Soup
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • McClard's Bar-B-Q
  • The Pantry
  • The Preacher's Son
  • Pat's King of Steaks
  • Zahav
  • Primanti Bros.
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 Pennsylvania, you will be trading the iconic Fried Catfish of Arkansas for the equally delicious Philly Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania. And while the locals in Arkansas rave about their flavorful Barbecue Ribs and sumptuous Fried Pickles, Pennsylvania residents know they have tasty Pork and Sauerkraut and Soft Pretzel to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Black Bean Burger they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Mushroom Soup of Pennsylvania. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Arkansas eateries like McClard's Bar-B-Q, The Pantry, and The Preacher's Son. After the boxes are unpacked in Pennsylvania, don't wait too long before making your way to Pennsylvania's acclaimed eateries like Pat's King of Steaks, Zahav, and Primanti Bros.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Arkansas and Pennsylvania

ComparisonArkansasPennsylvania
Typical Architecture StyleCraftsmanColonial
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, privacyPublic transportation access, historic details
  • The Craftsman architecture that Arkansas is known for will be replaced with the Colonial architecture typical of Pennsylvania.
  • Compared to Arkansas's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and privacy, Pennsylvania real estate listings often highlight features like public transportation access and historic details.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Pennsylvania is more walkable than Arkansas.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Pennsylvania is more bike-friendly than Arkansas.
  • Pennsylvania has more of an urban feel than Arkansas.
  • Pennsylvania housing costs are 29% more expensive than they are in Arkansas, with a median home price of $261,312 compared to Arkansas’s $203,305.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Pennsylvania have increased by 43% compared to a 41% increase in Arkansas.
  • Rent in Pennsylvania is 12.75% more expensive than in Arkansas.

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

ComparisonArkansasPennsylvania
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, FloodsSnowstorms, Floods
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)90Β°/70Β°85Β°/62Β°
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)50Β°/32Β°38Β°/20Β°
Annual Rainfall (Inches)50"42"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)5"38"
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Arkansas to Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania gets 18% fewer sunshine days than Arkansas.
  • Pennsylvania 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 floods in Pennsylvania.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Pennsylvania is 5 degrees cooler than in Arkansas.
  • The average winter lows are 12 degrees colder than they are in Arkansas.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania receives 8 fewer inches of rain compared to Arkansas.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Arkansas and Pennsylvania

ComparisonArkansasPennsylvania
Avg. Household Income$55,432$71,798
Cost of Living Index90.599.7
State Income Tax2-5.5%3.07%
Avg. Property Tax0.6%1.58%
Avg. Sales Tax6.5%6%
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Manufacturing, RetailHealthcare, Manufacturing, Financial Services
AffluenceModerateHigher
PovertyModerateLower
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Pennsylvania tend to earn about 30% more than in Arkansas
  • The COLI in Pennsylvania is 10% higher than what you are used to living in Arkansas
  • The state income tax in PA is 3.07% compared to 2-5.5% in AR
  • The affluence in Pennsylvania is higher compared to moderate affluence in Arkansas
  • The poverty level is lower in Pennsylvania compared to moderate poverty in Arkansas
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Arkansas and moderate in Pennsylvania

Political and Religious Climate in Arkansas vs. Pennsylvania

ComparisonArkansasPennsylvania
Political Make-upConservativeModerate, leaning Democratic
Local PoliticsRepublican dominance in state governmentDemocratic in urban areas, Republican in rural areas
ReligionPrimarily ProtestantMixed; larger Catholic presence in metropolitan areas
  • Arkansas tends to lean conservative in its political climate
  • Pennsylvania, on the other hand, is often described as moderate, leaning Democratic
  • Pennsylvania's religious environment can be described as mixed with a larger Catholic presence in metropolitan areas
  • Arkansas' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as primarily Protestant

Education Guide When Moving from Arkansas to Pennsylvania

ComparisonArkansasPennsylvania
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Arkansas
Arkansas State University
University of Central Arkansas
Pennsylvania State University
University of Pennsylvania
Temple University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsBaker Interdistrict Elementary School
Little Rock
Forest Park Elementary
Little Rock
Vandergriff Elementary School
Fayetteville
Adlai Stevenson Elementary School
Mountain Top
Eisenhower Elementary School
Upper St. Clair
Marshall Elementary School
Wexford
Top 3 Middle SchoolsLISA Academy North Middle School
North Little Rock
Fulbright Junior High School
Bentonville
Woodland Junior High School
Fayetteville
Julia R. Masterman Secondary School
Philadelphia
Thomas Jefferson Middle School
Pittsburgh
Fort Couch Middle School
Upper St. Clair
Top 3 High SchoolsHaas Hall Academy
Fayetteville
Little Rock Central High School
Little Rock
Bentonville High School
Bentonville
Julia R. Masterman Secondary School
Philadelphia
Conestoga High School
Berwyn
Lower Merion High School
Ardmore
Top 3 private high schoolsPulaski Academy
Little Rock
The Episcopal Collegiate School
Little Rock
Little Rock Christian Academy
Little Rock
William Penn Charter School
Philadelphia
The Baldwin School
Bryn Mawr
The Hill School
Pottstown
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsLittle Rock Christian Academy
Little Rock
Shiloh Christian School
Springdale
The New School
Fayetteville
Shady Side Academy
Pittsburgh
Germantown Friends School
Philadelphia
The Haverford School
Haverford
Top 3 School DistrictsBentonville School District
Bentonville
Fayetteville School District
Fayetteville
Rogers School District
Rogers
Tredyffrin-Easttown School District
Wayne
Radnor Township School District
Radnor
North Allegheny School District
Pittsburgh

How Much Do Arkansas to Pennsylvania Movers Cost?

Moving 1,062 miles from Arkansas to Pennsylvania 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 - $6,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 1-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: U-Relax Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,805300 ft3$6.02
1 Bedroom$2,684450 ft3$5.97
2 Bedrooms$4,436750 ft3$5.92
3 Bedrooms$6,4521100 ft3$5.87
4 Bedrooms$9,3041600 ft3$5.82
5+ Bedrooms$10,3771800 ft3$5.77

Top Arkansas to Pennsylvania Movers

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

TOP PICK
Pittsburgh Moving featured image

Pittsburgh Moving

Best moving company overall for Arkansas to Pennsylvania

9.63/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
EverSafe Moving Co. featured image

EverSafe Moving Co.

9.50/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
B2 Moving featured image

B2 Moving

9.44/10
ExceptionalView details