Illinois to Arkansas Moving Guide

Illinois vs. Arkansas: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Illinois to Arkansas, you will be trading the iconic Deep Dish Pizza of Illinois for the equally delicious Fried Catfish of Arkansas. And while the locals in Illinois rave about their flavorful Italian Beef and sumptuous Chicago-style Hot Dog, Arkansas residents know they have tasty Smoked Pork Ribs and Pulled Pork Sandwich to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Thali Plate 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 Illinois eateries like Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, Alinea, and Portillo's. 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 The Pantry.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Illinois and Arkansas

• The Chicago School and Prairie Style architecture that Illinois is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Ranch architecture typical of Arkansas.
• Compared to Illinois's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to Chicago and lakefronts, Arkansas real estate listings often highlight features like natural landscapes and spacious lots.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Arkansas is less walkable than Illinois.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Arkansas is less bike-friendly than Illinois.
• Arkansas has less of an urban feel than Illinois.
• Arkansas housing costs are 21% less expensive than they are in Illinois, with a median home price of $203,305 compared to Illinois’s $257,738.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Arkansas have increased by 41% compared to a 35% increase in Illinois.
• Rent in Arkansas is 24.83% more affordable than in Illinois.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Illinois to Arkansas. Arkansas gets 15% more sunshine days than Illinois.
• Arkansas has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Illinois.
• Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and snowstorms in Illinois, 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 Illinois.
• The average winter lows are 10 degrees warmer than they are in Illinois.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Arkansas. Arkansas receives 11 more inches of rain compared to Illinois.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Illinois and Arkansas

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Arkansas tend to earn about 28% less than in Illinois
• The COLI in Arkansas is 4% lower than what you are used to living in Illinois
• The state income tax in Arkansas is 5.9% compared to 4.95% in Illinois
• The affluence in Arkansas is low compared to moderate in Illinois
• The poverty level is high in Arkansas compared to moderate in Illinois
• In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Illinois and low in Arkansas

Political and Religious Climate in Illinois vs. Arkansas

• Illinois tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
• Arkansas, on the other hand, is often described as lean Republican
• Arkansas' religious environment can be described as heavily Christian with a strong Baptist presence
• Illinois' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse with no single affiliation dominating

Education Guide When Moving from Illinois to Arkansas

How Much Do Illinois to Arkansas Movers Cost?

Moving 469 miles from Illinois to Arkansas will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.