Arizona to Arkansas Moving Guide
Updated June 23, 2025

Planning a 1,225 mile interstate move from Arizona to Arkansas? This moving guide will help you compare living in Arizona vs Arkansas across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like desert heat vs mild summers), food & health (like Chimichangas vs Fried Catfish), real estate & housing (ranch, pueblo vs colonial, craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Arizona), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Chimichangas and Carne Asada, but get your taste buds ready for Fried Catfish & Smoked Pork Ribs
- Arkansas housing costs are 53% less expensive than they are in Arizona
- Rent in Arkansas is 31.23% more affordable than in Arizona
- Moving from Arizona to Arkansas will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,000
- Our top recommended Arizona to Arkansas movers is Sterling Interstate LLC
Arizona to Arkansas Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Arizona to Arkansas
- Desert heat
- Limited water resources
- High living costs
- Sparse greenery
- Urban sprawl
- Mild summers
- Ample lakes and rivers
- Lower housing costs
- Lush forests
- Small-town charm
- Less nightlife
- Fewer employment opportunities
- Limited educational institutions
- Higher humidity
- Fewer cultural events
- Vibrant city life
- Diverse job market
- Top-ranked universities
- Sunny weather
- Rich cultural scene
Pros of moving from Arizona to Arkansas
- Say goodbye to desert heat and hello to mild summers
- Look forward to moving away from limited water resources and moving to Arkansas with ample lakes and rivers
- Swap the high living costs of Arizona for lower housing costs in Arkansas
- Get ready for lush forests in Arkansas
Cons of moving from Arizona to Arkansas
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from vibrant city life in Arizona to live with less nightlife in Arkansas
- You'll lose out on the pro of a diverse job market and have to settle for the con of fewer employment opportunities
- Time to bid farewell to top-ranked universities and get used to limited educational institutions in Arkansas
- Swap sunny weather for higher humidity
Arizona vs. Arkansas: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Arizona | Arkansas |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Chimichangas | Fried Catfish |
Most popular meat dish | Carne Asada | Smoked Pork Ribs |
Most popular street food item | Sonoran Hot Dog | Fried Pickles |
Most popular vegan food | Jackfruit Tacos | BBQ Jackfruit |
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 Arizona to Arkansas, you will be trading the iconic Chimichangas of Arizona for the equally delicious Fried Catfish of Arkansas. And while the locals in Arizona rave about their flavorful Carne Asada and sumptuous Sonoran Hot Dog, Arkansas residents know they have tasty Smoked Pork Ribs and Fried Pickles to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Jackfruit Tacos they've grown to love, they can get ready for the BBQ Jackfruit of Arkansas. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Arizona eateries like Pizzeria Bianco, El Charro CafΓ©, and Welcome Diner. After the boxes are unpacked in Arkansas, don't wait too long before making your way to Arkansas' acclaimed eateries like McClard's Bar-B-Q, Whole Hog CafΓ©, and The Southern Gourmasian.
When comparing lifestyles, Arkansas shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Arizona. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Arkansas compared to what you are used to in Arizona. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Arkansas.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Arizona and Arkansas
Comparison | Arizona | Arkansas |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Ranch, Pueblo | Colonial, Craftsman |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Views, pools | Large lots, nature surroundings |
- The Ranch and Pueblo architecture that Arizona is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Craftsman architecture typical of Arkansas.
- Compared to Arizona's real estate listings that commonly reference views and pools, Arkansas real estate listings often highlight features like large lots and natural surroundings.
- You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Arkansas is less walkable than Arizona.
- You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Arkansas is less bike-friendly than Arizona.
- Arkansas has less of an urban feel than Arizona.
- Arkansas housing costs are 53% less expensive than they are in Arizona, with a median home price of $203,305 compared to Arizonaβs $430,827.
- Over the prior five years, home prices in Arkansas have increased by 41% compared to a 63% increase in Arizona.
- Rent in Arkansas is 31.23% more affordable than in Arizona.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Arizona and Arkansas
Comparison | Arizona | Arkansas |
---|---|---|
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 | Wildfires, Heatwaves | Tornadoes, Floods |
Air Quality | Good | Variable |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 106Β°F / 83Β°F | 92Β°F / 73Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 67Β°F / 46Β°F | 51Β°F / 32Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 13" | 50" |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 0" | 5" |
- The shades won't be used as much for your move from Arizona to Arkansas. Arkansas gets 24% fewer sunshine days than Arizona.
- Arkansas has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Arizona.
- Say goodbye to the possible wildfires and heatwaves in Arizona, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and floods in Arkansas.
- Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Arkansas is 14 degrees colder than in Arizona.
- The average winter lows are 14 degrees colder than they are in Arizona.
- Your umbrella might be more overworked in Arkansas. Arkansas receives 37 more inches of rain compared to Arizona.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Arizona and Arkansas
Comparison | Arizona | Arkansas |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $74,568 | $55,432 |
Cost of Living Index | 101.2 | 90.5 |
State Income Tax | 2.59% - 4.50% | 2.0% - 5.5% |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.66% | 0.61% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 5.6% - 11.2% | 6.5% - 11.63% |
Top 3 Industries | Technology, Tourism, Real Estate | Retail, Agriculture, Manufacturing |
Affluence | Moderate | Modest |
Poverty | Moderate | High |
Homelessness | Moderate | Moderate |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Arkansas tend to earn about 26% less than in Arizona
- The COLI in Arkansas will be 11% lower than what you are used to living in Arizona
- The state income tax in Arkansas is 2.0% - 5.5% compared to 2.59% - 4.50% in Arizona
- The affluence in Arkansas is modest compared to moderate affluence in Arizona
- The poverty level is high in Arkansas compared to moderate poverty in Arizona
- In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Arizona and moderate in Arkansas
Political and Religious Climate in Arizona vs. Arkansas
Comparison | Arizona | Arkansas |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Swing State, lately leaning Democratic | Strongly Republican |
Local Politics | Mix of urban liberal and rural conservative areas | Primarily conservative, especially outside of Little Rock |
Religion | Mixed, with a significant Catholic presence | Primarily Protestant, with a high Baptist population |
- Arizona tends to lean swing State, lately leaning Democratic in its political climate
- Arkansas, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Republican
- Arkansas' religious environment can be described as primarily Protestant with a high Baptist population
- Arizona's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as mixed with a significant Catholic presence
Education Guide When Moving from Arizona to Arkansas
Comparison | Arizona | Arkansas |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | University of Arizona Arizona State University Northern Arizona University | University of Arkansas Arkansas State University University of Central Arkansas |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Basis Chandler Basis Oro Valley Basis Peoria | Baker Interdistrict Elementary School - Little Rock Park Magnet School - Hot Springs Forest Park Elementary - Little Rock |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Basis Scottsdale Basis Tucson North Basis Chandler | Haas Hall Academy - Fayetteville LISA Academy North - Sherwood LISA Academy - West Little Rock |
Top 3 High Schools | Basis Scottsdale Basis Oro Valley Basis Peoria | Haas Hall Academy - Bentonville Haas Hall Academy - Fayetteville LISA Academy North - Sherwood |
Top 3 private high schools | Brophy College Preparatory - Phoenix Xavier College Preparatory - Phoenix The Gregory School - Tucson | Pulaski Academy - Little Rock Little Rock Christian Academy - Little Rock Shiloh Christian School - Springdale |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | Phoenix Country Day School - Paradise Valley The Gregory School - Tucson Rancho Solano Preparatory School - Scottsdale | Subiaco Academy - Subiaco Episcopal Collegiate School - Little Rock The New School - Fayetteville |
Top 3 School Districts | Catalina Foothills School District Chandler Unified School District Scottsdale Unified School District | Bentonville School District Fayetteville School District Rogers School District |
How Much Do Arizona to Arkansas Movers Cost?
Moving 1,225 miles from Arizona to Arkansas 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: 2-9 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Sterling Interstate LLC
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,897 | 300 ft3 | $6.32 |
1 Bedroom | $2,823 | 450 ft3 | $6.27 |
2 Bedrooms | $4,667 | 750 ft3 | $6.22 |
3 Bedrooms | $6,791 | 1100 ft3 | $6.17 |
4 Bedrooms | $9,797 | 1600 ft3 | $6.12 |
5+ Bedrooms | $10,932 | 1800 ft3 | $6.07 |
Top Arizona to Arkansas Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Arizona to Arkansas movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

Sterling Interstate LLC
Best moving company overall for Arizona to Arkansas