California to Arkansas Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from California to Arkansas

ConsCalifornia

• High living costs
• Expensive housing
• Heavy traffic
• High income taxes
• Frequent wildfires
• Drought conditions
• Long commutes
• Crowded cities
• High utility rates
• Costly car insurance
• Earthquake risk
• Parking scarcity
• Smoggy air days
• Heavier regulations

ProsArkansas

• Lower living costs
• Affordable housing
• Lighter traffic
• Lower income taxes
• Fewer wildfires
• More rainfall
• Shorter commutes
• Smaller communities
• Cheaper utilities
• Lower insurance rates
• Lower quake risk
• Easier parking
• Cleaner air
• Business friendly climate

---

Arkansas

• Hot, humid summers
• Lower average wages
• Fewer big employers
• Fewer research universities
• Limited transit options
• No ocean access
• Fewer nonstop flights
• Smaller tech sector
• Sparse EV charging
• Fewer Michelin options
• Fewer pro teams
• More car dependent
• Fewer major events
• Fewer specialists nearby
• Less geographic variety

California

• Mild coastal weather
• Higher salaries
• Diverse job market
• Top universities
• Strong public transit
• Ocean beaches
• International flights
• Robust tech scene
• Extensive EV charging
• Renowned dining
• Major league teams
• Walkable neighborhoods
• Big cultural events
• Specialist healthcare
• Outdoor variety

Pros of moving from California to Arkansas

• Say goodbye to high living costs and hello to lower living costs
• Look forward to moving away from expensive housing and moving to Arkansas with affordable housing
• Swap the heavy traffic of California for lighter traffic in Arkansas
• Get ready for lower income taxes in Arkansas

Cons of moving from California to Arkansas

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from mild coastal weather in California to live with hot and humid summers in Arkansas
• You'll lose out on the pro of higher salaries and have to settle for the con of lower average wages
• Time to bid farewell to a diverse job market and get used to fewer big employers in Arkansas
• Swap top universities for fewer research universities

California vs. Arkansas: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from California to Arkansas, you will be trading the iconic Sushi of California for the equally delicious Fried Catfish of Arkansas. And while the locals in California rave about their flavorful Tri-tip steak and sumptuous Tacos, Arkansas residents know they have tasty Smoked Pork Ribs and Catfish Po'Boys to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Acai Bowl they've grown to love, they can get ready for the BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich of Arkansas. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic California eateries like Chez Panisse, n/naka, and In-N-Out Burger. 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 Café, and Sim's Bar-B-Q.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between California and Arkansas

• The Modern, Spanish, and Craftsman architecture that California is known for will be replaced with the Colonial, Craftsman, and Ranch architecture typical of Arkansas.
• Compared to California's real estate listings, which commonly reference pools, views, and outdoor living spaces, Arkansas real estate listings often highlight features like large lots, privacy, and proximity to nature.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Arkansas is less walkable than California.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Arkansas is less bike-friendly than California.
• Arkansas has less of an urban feel than California.
• Arkansas housing costs are 74% less expensive than they are in California, with a median home price of $203,305 compared to California’s $783,666.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Arkansas have increased by 41% compared to a 42% increase in California.
• Rent in Arkansas is 51.73% more affordable than in California.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from California to Arkansas. Arkansas gets 24% fewer sunshine days than California.
• Arkansas has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to California.
• Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and wildfires in California, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and floods in Arkansas.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Arkansas is 7 degrees warmer than in California.
• The average winter lows are 16 degrees colder than they are in California.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Arkansas. Arkansas receives 28 more inches of rain compared to California.

Financial & Community Snapshot: California and Arkansas

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Arkansas tend to earn about 39% less than in California
• The COLI in Arkansas is 34% lower than what you are used to living in California
• The state income tax in AR is 5.9 compared to 13.3 in CA
• The affluence in Arkansas is moderate compared to high in California
• The poverty level is higher in Arkansas compared to moderate in California
• In terms of homelessness, it is significant in California and low in Arkansas

Political and Religious Climate in California vs. Arkansas

• California tends to lean Liberal/Democratic in its political climate
• Arkansas, on the other hand, is often described as Conservative/Republican
• Arkansas' religious environment can be described as primarily Christian with a significant Baptist presence
• California's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as mixed and have a large non-religious demographic

How Much Do California to Arkansas Movers Cost?

Moving 1,809 miles from California to Arkansas will typically cost between $3,500 and $8,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.