IN to AR Moving Specialists

Indiana to Arkansas Moving Guide

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Updated August 20, 2025

Planning a 616 mile interstate move from Indiana to Arkansas? This moving guide will help you compare living in Indiana vs Arkansas across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs mild winter climate), food & health (like Hoosier Pie vs Arkansas BBQ), real estate & housing (midwestern, colonial vs craftsman, ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Indiana), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Hoosier Pie and Pork Tenderloin Sandwich, but get your taste buds ready for Arkansas BBQ & Fried Catfish
  • Arkansas housing costs are 14% less expensive than they are in Indiana
  • Rent in Arkansas is 2.47% more affordable than in Indiana
  • Moving from Indiana to Arkansas will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,500
  • Our top recommended Indiana to Arkansas movers is B2 Moving
Indiana to Arkansas featured image

Top Indiana to Arkansas Movers

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

TOP PICK
B2 Moving featured image

B2 Moving

Best moving company overall for Indiana to Arkansas

9.44/10
Exceptional
RUNNER-UP
MVM Moving & Storage featured image

MVM Moving & Storage

9.23/10
Exceptional
ALSO GREAT
Bulldogs Moving Co. featured image

Bulldogs Moving Co.

9.14/10
Exceptional

Indiana to Arkansas Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Indiana to Arkansas

ConsIndiana iconIndiana
  • Harsh winters
  • High property taxes
  • Flat landscapes
  • Limited outdoor recreation
ProsArkansas iconArkansas
  • Mild winter climate
  • Lower cost of living
  • Beautiful mountains
  • Outdoor adventure opportunities

Arkansas iconArkansas
  • Starting over in a new place
  • Job market variability
  • Developing infrastructure
  • Adjusting to new social norms
Indiana iconIndiana
  • Familiarity and roots
  • Diverse job market
  • Well-developed infrastructure
  • Established community life

Pros of moving from Indiana to Arkansas

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to a mild winter climate
  • Look forward to moving away from high property taxes and moving to Arkansas with a lower cost of living
  • Swap the flat landscapes of Indiana for beautiful mountains in Arkansas
  • Get ready for outdoor adventure opportunities in Arkansas

Cons of moving from Indiana to Arkansas

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from familiarity and roots in Indiana to live with starting over in a new place in Arkansas
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a diverse job market and have to settle for the con of job market variability
  • Time to bid farewell to well-developed infrastructure and get used to developing infrastructure in Arkansas
  • Swap established community life for adjusting to new social norms

Indiana vs. Arkansas: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonIndianaArkansas
Most iconic local food itemHoosier PieArkansas BBQ
Most popular meat dishPork Tenderloin SandwichFried Catfish
Most popular street food itemEloteSmoked Sausages
Most popular vegan foodSeitan WingsBlack Bean Burgers
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • St. Elmo Steak House
  • Milktooth
  • Bluebeard
  • McClard's Bar-B-Q
  • The Southern Grist
  • Doe's Eat Place
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 Indiana to Arkansas, you will be trading the iconic Hoosier Pie of Indiana for the equally delicious Arkansas BBQ of Arkansas. And while the locals in Indiana rave about their flavorful Pork Tenderloin Sandwich and sumptuous Elote, Arkansas residents know they have tasty Fried Catfish and Smoked Sausages to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Seitan Wings they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Black Bean Burgers of Arkansas. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Indiana eateries like St. Elmo Steak House, Milktooth, and Bluebeard. 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 Grist, and Doe's Eat Place.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Indiana and Arkansas

ComparisonIndianaArkansas
Typical Architecture StyleMidwestern, ColonialCraftsman, Ranch
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 backyards, hardwood floorsLarge plots, proximity to nature
  • The Midwestern and Colonial architecture that Indiana is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Ranch architecture typical of Arkansas.
  • Compared to Indiana's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious backyards and hardwood floors, Arkansas real estate listings often highlight features like large plots and proximity to nature.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Arkansas is less walkable than Indiana.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Arkansas is less bike-friendly than Indiana.
  • Arkansas has less of an urban feel than Indiana.
  • Arkansas housing costs are 14% less expensive than they are in Indiana, with a median home price of $203,305 compared to Indiana’s $236,990.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Arkansas have increased by 41% compared to a 54% increase in Indiana.
  • Rent in Arkansas is 2.47% more affordable than in Indiana.

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

ComparisonIndianaArkansas
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, severe thunderstorms, flooding, winter storms/ice, occasional heat wavesTornadoes (Dixie Alley), severe thunderstorms, flooding, heat waves, occasional ice storms; remnants of tropical systems; minor earthquake risk in NE
Air QualityGenerally Good-Moderate; occasional ozone/PM2.5 spikes in summer/winterGenerally Good-Moderate; more summer ozone days in metro areas; occasional wildfire smoke intrusions
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85degF / 66degF93degF / 73degF
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)36degF / 20degF51degF / 33degF
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4250
Annual Snowfall (Inches)225
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Indiana to Arkansas. Arkansas gets 17% more sunshine days than Indiana.
  • Arkansas has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Indiana.
  • Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, flooding, winter storms or ice, and occasional heat waves in Indiana, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes in Dixie Alley, severe thunderstorms, flooding, heat waves, and occasional ice storms, remnants of tropical systems, and a minor earthquake risk in northeastern Arkansas.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Arkansas is 8 degrees warmer than in Indiana.
  • The average winter lows are 13 degrees warmer than they are in Indiana.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Arkansas. Arkansas receives 8 more inches of rain compared to Indiana.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Indiana and Arkansas

ComparisonIndianaArkansas
Avg. Household Income$66,785$55,432
Cost of Living Index92.9590.5
State Income Tax3.23%5.90%
Avg. Property Tax0.85%0.63%
Avg. Sales Tax7.00%9.51%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Agriculture, HealthcareAgriculture, Retail, Manufacturing
AffluenceModerateLow
PovertyModerateHigh
HomelessnessModerateLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Arkansas tend to earn about 17% less than those in Indiana
  • The COLI in Arkansas is 3% lower than what you are used to living in Indiana
  • The state income tax in AR is 5.90% compared to 3.23% in IN
  • The affluence in Arkansas is low compared to moderate affluence in Indiana
  • The poverty level is high in Arkansas compared to moderate poverty in Indiana
  • In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Indiana and low in Arkansas

Political and Religious Climate in Indiana vs. Arkansas

ComparisonIndianaArkansas
Political Make-upMixed, leans Republican in federal electionsStrongly Republican in both state and federal elections
Local PoliticsMixed, with some urban areas leaning DemocraticLargely Republican, with fewer Democratic strongholds
ReligionChristian majority, with a sizeable Roman Catholic communityStrongly evangelical Protestant
  • Indiana tends to lean mixed and leans Republican in federal elections in its political climate
  • Arkansas, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Republican in both state and federal elections
  • Arkansas' religious environment can be described as strongly evangelical Protestant
  • Indiana's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Christian majority with a sizeable Roman Catholic community

Education Guide When Moving from Indiana to Arkansas

ComparisonIndianaArkansas
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Indiana University
Bloomington; Purdue University
West Lafayette; Ball State University
Muncie
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville; Arkansas State University
Jonesboro; University of Central Arkansas
Conway
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsCarmel Elementary
Carmel; Forest Dale Elementary
Carmel; West Clay Elementary
Carmel
Lisa Academy
Little Rock; Don Roberts Elementary
Little Rock; Central Park-Morning Star Elementary
Bentonville
Top 3 Middle SchoolsCarmel Middle School
Carmel; Clay Middle School
Carmel; Riverside Junior High
Fishers
Haas Hall Academy
Fayetteville; Woodland Junior High School
Fayetteville; Central Park-Morning Star Middle School
Bentonville
Top 3 High SchoolsCarmel High School
Carmel; Zionsville High School
Zionsville; Fishers High School
Fishers
Haas Hall Academy
Fayetteville; Bentonville High School
Bentonville; Har-Ber High School
Springdale
Top 3 private high schoolsThe Culver Academies
Culver; Park Tudor School
Indianapolis; Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School
Indianapolis
Pulaski Academy
Little Rock; Little Rock Christian Academy
Little Rock; Mount Saint Mary Academy
Little Rock
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsPark Tudor School
Indianapolis; The Orchard School
Indianapolis; International School of Indiana
Indianapolis
Pulaski Academy
Little Rock; The New School
Fayetteville; Subiaco Academy
Subiaco
Top 3 School DistrictsCarmel Clay Schools
Carmel; Zionsville Community Schools
Zionsville; Hamilton Southeastern Schools
Fishers
Bentonville School District
Bentonville; Fayetteville School District
Fayetteville; Rogers School District
Rogers

How Much Do Indiana to Arkansas Movers Cost?

Moving 616 miles from Indiana 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 - $5,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-5 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: B2 Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,552300 ft3$5.17
1 Bedroom$2,305450 ft3$5.12
2 Bedrooms$3,804750 ft3$5.07
3 Bedrooms$5,5251100 ft3$5.02
4 Bedrooms$7,9561600 ft3$4.97
5+ Bedrooms$8,8601800 ft3$4.92

Indianapolis to Arkansas

Fort Wayne to Arkansas