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Arkansas to Washington Moving Guide

Updated June 18, 2025

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Planning a 2,204 mile interstate move from Arkansas to Washington? This moving guide will help you compare living in Arkansas vs Washington across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like hot summers vs mild temperatures), food & health (like Fried Catfish vs Salmon), real estate & housing (ranch, craftsman vs modern, craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Washington), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Fried Catfish and Barbecue Ribs, but get your taste buds ready for Salmon & Pho
  • Washington housing costs are 191% more expensive than they are in Arkansas
  • Rent in Washington is 49.81% more expensive than in Arkansas
  • Moving from Arkansas to Washington will cost on average between $2,500 - $9,000
  • Our top recommended Arkansas to Washington movers is Seattle Moves & More

Arkansas to Washington Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Arkansas to Washington

ConsArkansas iconArkansas
  • Hot summers
  • Limited public transportation
  • Few job opportunities in tech
  • Lack of coastal scenery
  • Lower cultural diversity
ProsWashington iconWashington
  • Mild temperatures
  • Extensive transit options
  • Thriving tech industry
  • Beautiful coastlines
  • Rich cultural diversity

Washington iconWashington
  • Higher cost of living
  • Faster-paced lifestyle
  • Heavier traffic congestion
  • Urban anonymity
  • Rainy weather
Arkansas iconArkansas
  • Lower cost of living
  • Slower pace of life
  • Fewer traffic jams
  • Friendly communities
  • Natural beauty

Pros of moving from Arkansas to Washington

  • Say goodbye to hot summers and hello to mild temperatures
  • Look forward to moving away from limited public transportation and moving to Washington with extensive transit options
  • Swap the few job opportunities in tech in Arkansas for a thriving tech industry in Washington
  • Get ready for beautiful coastlines in Washington

Cons of moving from Arkansas to Washington

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a lower cost of living in Arkansas to live with a higher cost of living in Washington
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a slower pace of life and have to settle with the con of a faster-paced lifestyle
  • Time to bid farewell to fewer traffic jams and get used to heavier traffic congestion in Washington
  • Swap friendly communities for urban anonymity

Arkansas vs. Washington: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonArkansasWashington
Most iconic local food itemFried CatfishSalmon
Most popular meat dishBarbecue RibsPho
Most popular street food itemFried PicklesTeriyaki
Most popular vegan foodBlack Bean BurgersTempeh Reuben
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • McClard's Bar-B-Q
  • South on Main
  • The Southern Gourmasian
  • Canlis
  • Salumi Artisan Cured Meats
  • Pike Place Chowder
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 Washington, you will be trading the iconic Fried Catfish of Arkansas for the equally delicious Salmon of Washington. And while the locals in Arkansas rave about their flavorful Barbecue Ribs and sumptuous Fried Pickles, Washington residents know they have tasty Pho and Teriyaki to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Black Bean Burgers they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Tempeh Reuben of Washington. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Arkansas eateries like McClard's Bar-B-Q, South on Main, and The Southern Gourmasian. After the boxes are unpacked in Washington, don't wait too long before making your way to Washington's acclaimed eateries like Canlis, Salumi Artisan Cured Meats, and Pike Place Chowder.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Arkansas and Washington

ComparisonArkansasWashington
Typical Architecture StyleRanch, CraftsmanModern, Craftsman
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, liveabilityEco-friendly features, views
  • The Ranch and Craftsman architecture that Arkansas is known for will be replaced with the Modern and Craftsman architecture typical of Washington.
  • Compared to Arkansas's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and livability, Washington real estate listings often highlight features like eco-friendly attributes and views.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Washington is more walkable than Arkansas.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Washington is more bike-friendly than Arkansas.
  • Washington has more of an urban feel than Arkansas.
  • Washington housing costs are 191% more expensive than they are in Arkansas, with a median home price of $591,148 compared to Arkansas’s $203,305.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Washington have increased by 49% compared to a 41% increase in Arkansas.
  • Rent in Washington is 49.81% more expensive than in Arkansas.

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

ComparisonArkansasWashington
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, floodsVolcanic eruptions, earthquakes
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)90Β°F/70Β°F75Β°F/55Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)50Β°F/30Β°F47Β°F/36Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)5038
Annual Snowfall (Inches)547
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Arkansas to Washington. Washington gets 30% fewer sunshine days than Arkansas.
  • Washington has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Arkansas.
  • Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and floods in Arkansas and be on the lookout for potential volcanic eruptions and earthquakes in Washington.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Washington is 15 degrees colder than in Arkansas.
  • The average winter lows are 6 degrees warmer than they are in Arkansas.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Washington. Washington receives 12 fewer inches of rain compared to Arkansas.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Arkansas and Washington

ComparisonArkansasWashington
Avg. Household Income$55,432$91,306
Cost of Living Index90.5104.1
State Income Tax2% - 5.5%0%
Avg. Property Tax0.61%0.92%
Avg. Sales Tax6.5%6.5% - 9.9%
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Retail, ManufacturingTechnology, Aerospace, Agriculture
AffluenceModestHigh
PovertyModerateLower
HomelessnessLowHigher
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Washington tend to earn about 65% more than in Arkansas
  • The COLI in Washington is 15% higher than what you are used to living in Arkansas
  • Hooray, moving to WA means you'll no longer have state income taxes
  • The affluence in Washington is high compared to modest affluence in Arkansas
  • The poverty level is lower in Washington compared to moderate poverty in Arkansas
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Arkansas and higher in Washington

Political and Religious Climate in Arkansas vs. Washington

ComparisonArkansasWashington
Political Make-upConservative-leaningLiberal-leaning
Local PoliticsStrong Republican presence in local governanceStrong Democratic presence in local governance
ReligionHigher religious affiliation, predominantly ChristianLess religiously affiliated, diverse religious communities
  • Arkansas tends to lean conservative-leaning in its political climate
  • Washington, on the other hand, is often described as liberal-leaning
  • Washington's religious environment can be described as less religiously affiliated with diverse religious communities
  • Arkansas' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as having higher religious affiliation and being predominantly Christian

Education Guide When Moving from Arkansas to Washington

ComparisonArkansasWashington
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Arkansas
Arkansas State University
University of Central Arkansas
University of Washington
Washington State University
Western Washington University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsBaker Interdistrict Elementary
Little Rock
Root Elementary School
Fayetteville
Parkway Elementary
Bryant
Cascade K-8 Community School
Shoreline
Briarwood Elementary School
Issaquah
Discovery Elementary School
Gig Harbor
Top 3 Middle SchoolsHaas Hall Academy
Fayetteville
Thaden School
Bentonville
Lisa Academy North Middle
Sherwood
International School
Bellevue
Environmental & Adventure School
Kirkland
Explorer Community School
Redmond
Top 3 High School SchoolsHaas Hall Academy
Fayetteville
Thaden School
Bentonville
Bentonville High School
Bentonville
Lakeside School
Seattle
International School
Bellevue
Newport Senior High School
Bellevue
Top 3 private high schoolsSubiaco Academy
Subiaco
Pulaski Academy
Little Rock
Mount St. Mary Academy
Little Rock
Lakeside School
Seattle
The Overlake School
Redmond
Eastside Preparatory School
Kirkland
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Anthony School
Little Rock
Lisa Academy
Little Rock
Arkansas Arts Academy
Rogers
The Bear Creek School
Redmond
Seattle Academy
Seattle
Eastside Preparatory School
Kirkland
Top 3 School DistrictsBentonville School District
Fayetteville School District
Bryant School District
Bellevue School District
Lake Washington School District
Mercer Island School District

How Much Do Arkansas to Washington Movers Cost?

Moving 2,204 miles from Arkansas to Washington will typically cost between $3,500 and $9,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,500 - $9,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-4 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: John Volken Academy Movers
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,452300 ft3$8.17
1 Bedroom$3,655450 ft3$8.12
2 Bedrooms$6,055750 ft3$8.07
3 Bedrooms$8,8261100 ft3$8.02
4 Bedrooms$12,7571600 ft3$7.97
5+ Bedrooms$14,2621800 ft3$7.92

Top Arkansas to Washington Movers

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

TOP PICK
Seattle Moves & More

Seattle Moves & More

Best moving company overall for Arkansas to Washington

9.55/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
B2 Moving featured image

B2 Moving

9.44/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
John Volken Academy Movers featured image

John Volken Academy Movers

9.34/10
ExceptionalView details
Top Arkansas to Washington Routes

Little Rock to Washington