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Arkansas to Virginia Moving Guide

Updated June 8, 2025

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Planning a 846 mile interstate move from Arkansas to Virginia? This moving guide will help you compare living in Arkansas vs Virginia across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like hot summers vs milder weather), food & health (like Fried Catfish vs Ham), real estate & housing (traditional and craftsman vs colonial and cape cod), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Virginia), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Fried Catfish and Barbecue Ribs, but get your taste buds ready for Ham & Virginia BBQ
  • Virginia housing costs are 90% more expensive than they are in Arkansas
  • Rent in Virginia is 39.08% more expensive than in Arkansas
  • Moving from Arkansas to Virginia will cost on average between $1,500 - $6,000
  • Our top recommended Arkansas to Virginia movers is ARS Movers

Arkansas to Virginia Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Arkansas to Virginia

ConsArkansas iconArkansas
  • Hot summers
  • Limited job market
  • Fewer cultural events
  • Rural living
ProsVirginia iconVirginia
  • Milder weather
  • Diverse employment opportunities
  • Rich cultural scene
  • Urban centers

Virginia iconVirginia
  • Higher living expenses
  • Faster lifestyle
  • More transient cities
  • Urban sprawl
Arkansas iconArkansas
  • Low cost of living
  • Slower pace
  • Close-knit communities
  • Natural beauty

Pros of moving from Arkansas to Virginia

  • Say goodbye to hot summers and hello to milder weather
  • Look forward to moving away from a limited job market and moving to Virginia with diverse employment opportunities
  • Swap the fewer cultural events of Arkansas for a rich cultural scene in Virginia
  • Get ready for urban centers in Virginia

Cons of moving from Arkansas to Virginia

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a low cost of living in Arkansas to live with higher living expenses in Virginia
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a slower pace and have to settle with the con of a faster lifestyle
  • Time to bid farewell to close-knit communities and get used to more transient cities in Virginia
  • Swap natural beauty for urban sprawl

Arkansas vs. Virginia: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonArkansasVirginia
Most iconic local food itemFried CatfishHam
Most popular meat dishBarbecue RibsVirginia BBQ
Most popular street food itemTamalesFood Truck Tacos
Most popular vegan foodSweet Potato Quinoa BurgerAvocado Toast
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • McClard's BBQ
  • South on Main
  • Doe's Eat Place
  • The Inn at Little Washington
  • Mama J's Kitchen
  • Le Diplomate
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 Virginia, you will be trading the iconic Fried Catfish of Arkansas for the equally delicious Ham of Virginia. And while the locals in Arkansas rave about their flavorful Barbecue Ribs and sumptuous Tamales, Virginia residents know they have tasty Virginia BBQ and Food Truck Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Sweet Potato Quinoa Burger they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Avocado Toast of Virginia. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Arkansas eateries like McClard's BBQ, South on Main, and Doe's Eat Place. After the boxes are unpacked in Virginia, don't wait too long before making your way to Virginia's acclaimed eateries like The Inn at Little Washington, Mama J's Kitchen, and Le Diplomate.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Arkansas and Virginia

ComparisonArkansasVirginia
Typical Architecture StyleTraditional and CraftsmanColonial and Cape Cod
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, proximity to natureHistorical significance, proximity to amenities
  • The Traditional and Craftsman architecture that Arkansas is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Cape Cod architecture typical of Virginia.
  • Compared to Arkansas's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and proximity to nature, Virginia real estate listings often highlight features such as historical significance and proximity to amenities.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Virginia is more walkable than Arkansas.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Virginia is more bike-friendly than Arkansas.
  • Virginia has more of an urban feel than Arkansas.
  • Virginia housing costs are 90% more expensive than they are in Arkansas, with a median home price of $385,780 compared to Arkansas’s $203,305.
  • Over the prior five years, home prices in Virginia have increased by 42% compared to a 41% increase in Arkansas.
  • Rent in Virginia is 39.08% more expensive than in Arkansas.

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

ComparisonArkansasVirginia
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, floodsHurricanes, nor'easters
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)90Β°F / 70Β°F86Β°F / 66Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)50Β°F / 30Β°F48Β°F / 28Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)50"44"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)5"25"
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Arkansas to Virginia. Virginia gets 6% fewer sunshine days than Arkansas.
  • Virginia 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 hurricanes and nor'easters in Virginia.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Virginia is 4 degrees colder than in Arkansas.
  • The average winter lows are 2 degrees colder than they are in Arkansas.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Virginia. Virginia receives 6 inches less rain compared to Arkansas.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Arkansas and Virginia

ComparisonArkansasVirginia
Avg. Household Income$55,432$85,873
Cost of Living Index90.596.6
State Income Tax4.9%5.75%
Avg. Property Tax0.61%0.80%
Avg. Sales Tax9.47%5.3%
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Retail, ManufacturingTechnology, Government, Agriculture
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyNoticeableModerate
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Virginia tend to earn about 55% more than those in Arkansas
  • The COLI in Virginia is 7% higher than what you are used to living in Arkansas
  • The state income tax in VA is 5.75% compared to 4.9% in AR
  • The affluence in Virginia is high compared to moderate affluence in Arkansas
  • The poverty level is moderate in Virginia compared to noticeable poverty in Arkansas
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Arkansas and moderate in Virginia

Political and Religious Climate in Arkansas vs. Virginia

ComparisonArkansasVirginia
Political Make-upConservative, Republican-leaningModerately liberal, Democratic-leaning
Local PoliticsLocal governments and policies tend to reflect state-wide conservative valuesVaries significantly; urban areas lean Democratic, rural areas can be more conservative
ReligionHighly religious, Christian majority (Baptist predominant)Moderately religious, diverse religious communities
  • Arkansas tends to lean conservative and Republican-leaning in its political climate
  • Virginia, on the other hand, is often described as moderately liberal and Democratic-leaning
  • Virginia's religious environment can be described as moderately religious with diverse religious communities
  • Arkansas' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as highly religious with a Christian majority, predominantly Baptist

Education Guide When Moving from Arkansas to Virginia

ComparisonArkansasVirginia
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Arkansas
Arkansas State University
University of Central Arkansas
University of Virginia
Virginia Tech
William & Mary
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsBaker Interdistrict Elementary School
Little Rock; Vandergriff Elementary School
Fayetteville; Forest Park Elementary School
Little Rock
Arlington Science Focus School
Arlington; Westbriar Elementary School
Vienna; Lucketts Elementary School
Leesburg
Top 3 Middle SchoolsHaas Hall Academy
Fayetteville; LISA Academy North
Sherwood; McNair Middle School
Fayetteville
Longfellow Middle School
Falls Church; Cooper Middle School
McLean; Henley Middle School
Crozet
Top 3 High SchoolsHaas Hall Academy
Bentonville; Bentonville High School
Bentonville; Fayetteville High School
Fayetteville
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Alexandria; McLean High School
McLean; Langley High School
McLean
Top 3 private high schoolsPulaski Academy
Little Rock; Little Rock Christian Academy
Little Rock; Subiaco Academy
Subiaco
The Potomac School
McLean; St. Christopher's School
Richmond; The Madeira School
McLean
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsArkansas Baptist School System
Little Rock; The New School
Fayetteville; Subiaco Academy
Subiaco
Norfolk Academy
Norfolk; Flint Hill School
Oakton; Collegiate School
Richmond
Top 3 School DistrictsBentonville School District; Fayetteville Public Schools; Rogers School DistrictFairfax County Public Schools; Loudoun County Public Schools; Arlington Public Schools

How Much Do Arkansas to Virginia Movers Cost?

Moving 846 miles from Arkansas to Virginia 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 - $6,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-2 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Estes SureMove
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,682300 ft3$5.61
1 Bedroom$2,501450 ft3$5.56
2 Bedrooms$4,130750 ft3$5.51
3 Bedrooms$6,0031100 ft3$5.46
4 Bedrooms$8,6511600 ft3$5.41
5+ Bedrooms$9,6431800 ft3$5.36

Top Arkansas to Virginia Movers

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

TOP PICK
ARS Movers featured image

ARS Movers

Best moving company overall for Arkansas to Virginia

9.64/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
A Change of Place Movers

A Change of Place Movers

9.59/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
B2 Moving featured image

B2 Moving

9.44/10
ExceptionalView details
Top Arkansas to Virginia Routes

Little Rock to Virginia