Florida to Arkansas Moving Guide
Updated June 6, 2025

Planning a 994 mile interstate move from Florida to Arkansas? This moving guide will help you compare living in Florida vs Arkansas across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like hurricane risk vs fewer natural disasters), food & health (like Key Lime Pie vs Fried Catfish), real estate & housing (spanish revival, art deco vs traditional, craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Florida), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Key Lime Pie and Cuban Sandwich, but get your taste buds ready for Fried Catfish & Smoked Pork Ribs
- Arkansas housing costs are 49% less expensive than they are in Florida
- Rent in Arkansas is 40.85% more affordable than in Florida
- Moving from Florida to Arkansas will cost on average between $2,000 - $6,500
- Our top recommended Florida to Arkansas movers is Sebastian Moving and More
Florida to Arkansas Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Florida to Arkansas
- Hurricane risk
- High humidity
- Expensive housing
- Overcrowded beaches
- Tourist-heavy cities
- Fewer natural disasters
- Milder climate
- Affordable properties
- Peaceful natural scenery
- Tranquil small-town life
- No coastal access
- Less cultural variety
- Limited nightlife options
- Fewer entertainment venues
- Colder winters
- Beautiful beaches
- Diverse culture
- Vibrant nightlife
- Major theme parks
- Year-round warmth
Pros of moving from Florida to Arkansas
- Say goodbye to hurricane risk and hello to fewer natural disasters
- Look forward to moving away from high humidity and moving to Arkansas with a milder climate
- Swap the expensive housing of Florida for affordable properties in Arkansas
- Get ready for peaceful natural scenery in Arkansas
Cons of moving from Florida to Arkansas
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from beautiful beaches in Florida to live with no coastal access in Arkansas
- You'll lose out on the pro of diverse culture and have to settle for the con of less cultural variety
- Time to bid farewell to vibrant nightlife and get used to limited nightlife options in Arkansas
- Swap major theme parks for fewer entertainment venues
Florida vs. Arkansas: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Florida | Arkansas |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Key Lime Pie | Fried Catfish |
Most popular meat dish | Cuban Sandwich | Smoked Pork Ribs |
Most popular street food item | Empanadas | BBQ Nachos |
Most popular vegan food | Acai Bowl | Seitan BBQ Sandwich |
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 Florida to Arkansas, you will be trading the iconic Key Lime Pie of Florida for the equally delicious Fried Catfish of Arkansas. And while the locals in Florida rave about their flavorful Cuban Sandwich and sumptuous Empanadas, Arkansas residents know they have tasty Smoked Pork Ribs and BBQ Nachos 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 Seitan BBQ Sandwich of Arkansas. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Florida eateries like Joe's Stone Crab, Versailles Restaurant, and Columbia Restaurant. 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, The Southern Gourmasian, and Whole Hog Cafe.
When comparing lifestyles, Arkansas shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Florida. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Arkansas compared to what you are used to in Florida. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Arkansas.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Florida and Arkansas
Comparison | Florida | Arkansas |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Spanish Revival, Art Deco | Traditional, Craftsman |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Beach access, pools | Large lots, natural views |
- The Spanish Revival and Art Deco architecture that Florida is known for will be replaced with the Traditional and Craftsman architecture typical of Arkansas.
- Compared to Florida's real estate listings that commonly reference beach access and pools, Arkansas real estate listings often highlight features like large lots and natural views.
- You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Arkansas is less walkable than Florida.
- Arkansas is similarly bike-friendly to Florida.
- Arkansas has less of an urban feel than Florida.
- Arkansas housing costs are 49% less expensive than they are in Florida, with a median home price of $203,305 compared to Floridaβs $397,137.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Arkansas have increased by 41% compared to a 66% increase in Florida.
- Rent in Arkansas is 40.85% more affordable than in Florida.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Florida and Arkansas
Comparison | Florida | 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 | Hurricanes, tropical storms | Tornadoes, severe storms |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 90Β°F / 75Β°F | 92Β°F / 72Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 70Β°F / 48Β°F | 50Β°F / 30Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 50" | 50" |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 0" | 5" |
- The shades won't be used as much for your move from Florida to Arkansas. Arkansas gets 8% fewer sunshine days than Florida.
- Arkansas has lower humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Florida.
- Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and tropical storms in Florida, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and severe storms in Arkansas.
- The average summer high temperature in Arkansas is 2 degrees warmer than in Florida.
- The average winter lows in Arkansas are 18 degrees colder than they are in Florida.
- Your umbrella might be used the same in Arkansas. Arkansas receives inches of rain compared to Florida.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Florida and Arkansas
Comparison | Florida | Arkansas |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $69,303 | $55,432 |
Cost of Living Index | 97.8 | 90.5 |
State Income Tax | 0.0% | 0.2 - 4.9% |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.83% | 0.62% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 6.0% | 6.5% |
Top 3 Industries | Tourism, Agriculture, Aerospace | Agriculture, Manufacturing, Retail |
Affluence | Moderate | Low |
Poverty | Average | Higher |
Homelessness | Noticeable | Less Visible |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Arkansas tend to earn about 20% less than those in Florida
- The COLI in Arkansas is 7% lower than what you are used to living in Florida
- Bummer... By moving from Florida to Arkansas, you'll now have a state income tax of 0.2 - 4.9%
- The affluence in Arkansas is low compared to moderate affluence in Florida
- The poverty level is higher in Arkansas compared to the average in Florida
- In terms of homelessness, it is noticeable in Florida and less visible in Arkansas
Political and Religious Climate in Florida vs. Arkansas
Comparison | Florida | Arkansas |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Mixed, leaning Republican in recent elections | Primarily Republican |
Local Politics | Varies significantly from urban to rural areas | Conservative across most of the state |
Religion | Christianity predominant, diverse religious presence | Heavily Christian, predominantly Baptist |
- Florida tends to lean mixed, leaning Republican in its political climate
- Arkansas, on the other hand, is often described as primarily Republican
- Arkansas' religious environment can be described as heavily Christian, predominantly Baptist
- Florida's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity with a diverse religious presence
Education Guide When Moving from Florida to Arkansas
Comparison | Florida | Arkansas |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | University of Florida Florida State University University of Central Florida | University of Arkansas Arkansas State University University of Central Arkansas |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Pine View School (Osprey) Orange County Preparatory Academy (Orlando) Freedom 7 Elementary School of International Studies (Cocoa Beach) | Baker Interdistrict Elementary School (Little Rock) Vandergriff Elementary School (Fayetteville) Forest Park Elementary (Little Rock) |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Herbert A. Ammons Middle School (Miami) Archimedean Middle Conservatory (Miami) Orlando Science Middle/High Charter School (Orlando) | Lisa Academy North Middle High School (Sherwood) Haas Hall Academy (Fayetteville) Thaden School (Bentonville) |
Top 3 High School Schools | Design and Architecture Senior High (Miami) Stanton College Preparatory School (Jacksonville) Pine View School (Osprey) | Haas Hall Academy (Fayetteville) Bentonville High School (Bentonville) Central High School (Little Rock) |
Top 3 private high schools | Ransom Everglades School (Coconut Grove) Bolles School (Jacksonville) Berkeley Preparatory School (Tampa) | Pulaski Academy (Little Rock) Shiloh Christian School (Springdale) Little Rock Christian Academy (Little Rock) |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | Lake Mary Preparatory School (Lake Mary) North Broward Preparatory School (Coconut Creek) Pine Crest School (Fort Lauderdale) | The Anthony School (Little Rock) Episcopal Collegiate School (Little Rock) Subiaco Academy (Subiaco) |
Top 3 School Districts | St. Johns County School District Sarasota County Schools Okaloosa County School District | Bentonville School District Fayetteville Public Schools Rogers School District |
How Much Do Florida to Arkansas Movers Cost?
Moving 994 miles from Florida to Arkansas 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: 3-10 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Veteran Moving Group
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,766 | 300 ft3 | $5.89 |
1 Bedroom | $2,627 | 450 ft3 | $5.84 |
2 Bedrooms | $4,340 | 750 ft3 | $5.79 |
3 Bedrooms | $6,310 | 1100 ft3 | $5.74 |
4 Bedrooms | $9,099 | 1600 ft3 | $5.69 |
5+ Bedrooms | $10,146 | 1800 ft3 | $5.64 |
Top Florida to Arkansas Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Florida to Arkansas movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

Sebastian Moving and More
Best moving company overall for Florida to Arkansas