Arkansas to Pennsylvania Moving Guide
Updated June 21, 2025

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
- Hot and humid summers
- Limited public transit
- Less diverse economy
- Lower educational attainment
- Less urban infrastructure
- Cooler summer temperatures
- Efficient transportation system
- Diverse job market
- Renowned universities
- Rich urban amenities
- Higher living expenses
- Colder winters
- Faster-paced lifestyle
- Less focus on agriculture
- Less rural scenery
- 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
Comparison | Arkansas | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Fried Catfish | Philly Cheesesteak |
Most popular meat dish | Barbecue Ribs | Pork and Sauerkraut |
Most popular street food item | Fried Pickles | Soft Pretzel |
Most popular vegan food | Black Bean Burger | Mushroom Soup |
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 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
Comparison | Arkansas | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Craftsman | Colonial |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Large yards, privacy | Public 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 Arkansasβs $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
Comparison | Arkansas | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
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, Floods |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
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
Comparison | Arkansas | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $55,432 | $71,798 |
Cost of Living Index | 90.5 | 99.7 |
State Income Tax | 2-5.5% | 3.07% |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.6% | 1.58% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 6.5% | 6% |
Top 3 Industries | Agriculture, Manufacturing, Retail | Healthcare, Manufacturing, Financial Services |
Affluence | Moderate | Higher |
Poverty | Moderate | Lower |
Homelessness | Low | Moderate |
- 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
Comparison | Arkansas | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Conservative | Moderate, leaning Democratic |
Local Politics | Republican dominance in state government | Democratic in urban areas, Republican in rural areas |
Religion | Primarily Protestant | Mixed; 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
Comparison | Arkansas | Pennsylvania |
---|---|---|
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 Schools | Baker 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 Schools | LISA 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 Schools | Haas 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 schools | Pulaski 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 schools | Little 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 Districts | Bentonville 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 SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,805 | 300 ft3 | $6.02 |
1 Bedroom | $2,684 | 450 ft3 | $5.97 |
2 Bedrooms | $4,436 | 750 ft3 | $5.92 |
3 Bedrooms | $6,452 | 1100 ft3 | $5.87 |
4 Bedrooms | $9,304 | 1600 ft3 | $5.82 |
5+ Bedrooms | $10,377 | 1800 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.

Pittsburgh Moving
Best moving company overall for Arkansas to Pennsylvania