Movers

Iowa to Arkansas Moving Guide

Updated June 20, 2025

Hero background image

Planning a 670 mile interstate move from Iowa to Arkansas? This moving guide will help you compare living in Iowa vs Arkansas across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like cold winters vs milder winters), food & health (like Pork Tenderloin Sandwich vs Fried Catfish), real estate & housing (prairie school, ranch vs colonial revival, craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Iowa), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Pork Tenderloin Sandwich and Grilled Pork Chops, but get your taste buds ready for Fried Catfish & Smoked Barbecue Ribs
  • Arkansas housing costs are 5% less expensive than they are in Iowa
  • Rent in Arkansas is 21.80% more expensive than in Iowa
  • Moving from Iowa to Arkansas will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,500
  • Our top recommended Iowa to Arkansas movers is Adamantine Spine Moving

Iowa to Arkansas Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Iowa to Arkansas

ConsIowa iconIowa
  • Cold winters
  • Flat landscape
  • Higher taxes
  • Limited nightlife
ProsArkansas iconArkansas
  • Milder winters
  • Scenic mountains
  • Lower taxes
  • Vibrant cities

Arkansas iconArkansas
  • Less community feel
  • Less economic diversity
  • Higher crime rates
  • Less fertile land
Iowa iconIowa
  • Community-oriented
  • Stable economy
  • Low crime rates
  • Rich agriculture

Pros of moving from Iowa to Arkansas

  • Say goodbye to cold winters and hello to milder winters
  • Look forward to moving away from flat landscape and moving to Arkansas with scenic mountains
  • Swap the higher taxes of Iowa for lower taxes in Arkansas
  • Get ready for vibrant cities in Arkansas

Cons of moving from Iowa to Arkansas

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a community-oriented atmosphere in Iowa to live with a less community feel in Arkansas
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a stable economy and have to settle for the con of less economic diversity
  • Time to bid farewell to low crime rates and get used to higher crime rates in Arkansas
  • Swap rich agriculture for less fertile land

Iowa vs. Arkansas: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonIowaArkansas
Most iconic local food itemPork Tenderloin SandwichFried Catfish
Most popular meat dishGrilled Pork ChopsSmoked Barbecue Ribs
Most popular street food itemSweet CornBBQ Nachos
Most popular vegan foodTofu Stir FryVegetable Jambalaya
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Machine Shed
  • Zombie Burger
  • Amana Colonies
  • McClard's Bar-B-Q
  • Sonny Williams' Steak Room
  • The Pantry
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 Iowa to Arkansas, you will be trading the iconic Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Iowa for the equally delicious Fried Catfish of Arkansas. And while the locals in Iowa rave about their flavorful Grilled Pork Chops and sumptuous Sweet Corn, Arkansas residents know they have tasty Smoked Barbecue Ribs and BBQ Nachos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Tofu Stir Fry they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegetable Jambalaya of Arkansas. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Iowa eateries like The Machine Shed, Zombie Burger, and Amana Colonies. 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, Sonny Williams' Steak Room, and The Pantry.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Iowa and Arkansas

ComparisonIowaArkansas
Typical Architecture StylePrairie School, RanchColonial Revival, 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 listingSpacious Yards, Efficient LayoutNatural Scenery, Proximity to Water
  • The Prairie School and Ranch architecture that Iowa is known for will be replaced with the Colonial Revival and Craftsman architecture typical of Arkansas.
  • Compared to Iowa's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and efficient layouts, Arkansas real estate listings often highlight features like natural scenery and proximity to water.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away as Arkansas is less walkable than Iowa.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike because Arkansas is less bike-friendly than Iowa.
  • Arkansas has less of an urban feel than Iowa.
  • Arkansas housing costs are 5% less expensive than they are in Iowa with a median home price of $203,305 compared to Iowa’s $214,151.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Arkansas have increased by 41% compared to a 36% increase in Iowa.
  • Rent in Arkansas is 21.80% more expensive than in Iowa.

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

ComparisonIowaArkansas
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, floodsTornadoes, floods
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)82Β°F / 63Β°F92Β°F / 72Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)30Β°F / 14Β°F50Β°F / 30Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)34"50"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)32"5"
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Iowa to Arkansas. Arkansas gets 6% more sunshine days than Iowa.
  • Arkansas has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Iowa.
  • Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and floods in Iowa, 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 10 degrees warmer than in Iowa.
  • The average winter lows are 16 degrees warmer than they are in Iowa.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Arkansas. Arkansas receives 16 more inches of rain compared to Iowa.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Iowa and Arkansas

ComparisonIowaArkansas
Avg. Household Income$69,588$55,432
Cost of Living Index95.990.5
State Income Tax8.5%7%
Avg. Property Tax1.5%0.6%
Avg. Sales Tax6.94%9.47%
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Manufacturing, FinanceAgriculture, Retail, Manufacturing
AffluenceModerateLower
PovertyLowHigher
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Arkansas tend to earn about 20% less than those in Iowa
  • The COLI in Arkansas is 6% lower than what you are used to living in Iowa
  • The state income tax in Arkansas is 7% compared to 8.5% in Iowa
  • The affluence in Arkansas is lower compared to moderate affluence in Iowa
  • The poverty level is higher in Arkansas compared to low poverty in Iowa
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Iowa and moderate in Arkansas

Political and Religious Climate in Iowa vs. Arkansas

ComparisonIowaArkansas
Political Make-upSwing StateLean Conservative
Local PoliticsVaries by CountyMostly Conservative
ReligionChristian, with a notable non-religious segmentStrongly Christian
  • Iowa tends to lean swing State in its political climate
  • Arkansas, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Conservative
  • Arkansas' religious environment can be described as strongly Christian
  • Iowa's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christian with a notable non-religious segment

Education Guide When Moving from Iowa to Arkansas

ComparisonIowaArkansas
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Iowa
Iowa State University
University of Northern Iowa
University of Arkansas
Arkansas State University
University of Central Arkansas
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsWickham Elementary (Coralville)
Lincoln Elementary (Mount Vernon)
Willowwind School (Iowa City)
Baker Interdistrict Elementary (Little Rock)
Forest Park Elementary (Little Rock)
Vandergriff Elementary (Fayetteville)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsAmes Middle School (Ames)
North Central Junior High (North Liberty)
Northwest Junior High (Coralville)
Lisa Academy West Middle (Little Rock)
LISA Academy North Middle (Sherwood)
McNair Middle School (Fayetteville)
Top 3 High SchoolsWest High School (Iowa City)
Ames High School (Ames)
Pleasant Valley High School (Bettendorf)
Haas Hall Academy (Fayetteville)
Bentonville High School (Bentonville)
Rogers High School (Rogers)
Top 3 private high schoolsRegina High School (Iowa City)
Dowling Catholic High School (West Des Moines)
Xavier High School (Cedar Rapids)
Pulaski Academy (Little Rock)
Little Rock Christian Academy (Little Rock)
Shiloh Christian School (Springdale)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsMaharishi School (Fairfield)
Scattergood Friends School (West Branch)
Rivermont Collegiate (Bettendorf)
The New School (Fayetteville)
Subiaco Academy (Subiaco)
Arkansas Baptist School System (Little Rock)
Top 3 School DistrictsIowa City Community School District
Ames Community School District
Johnston Community School District
Fayetteville Public Schools
Bentonville Public Schools
Rogers Public Schools

How Much Do Iowa to Arkansas Movers Cost?

Moving 670 miles from Iowa to Arkansas will typically cost between $2,500 and $5,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $5,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-2 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: B2 Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,582300 ft3$5.27
1 Bedroom$2,351450 ft3$5.22
2 Bedrooms$3,881750 ft3$5.17
3 Bedrooms$5,6371100 ft3$5.12
4 Bedrooms$8,1191600 ft3$5.07
5+ Bedrooms$9,0441800 ft3$5.02

Top Iowa to Arkansas Movers

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

TOP PICK
Adamantine Spine Moving featured image

Adamantine Spine Moving

Best moving company overall for Iowa to Arkansas

9.54/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
B2 Moving featured image

B2 Moving

9.44/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Adamantine Spine Moving featured image

Adamantine Spine Moving

9.44/10
ExceptionalView details
Top Iowa to Arkansas Routes

Des Moines to Arkansas