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Kentucky to Arkansas Moving Guide

Updated June 8, 2025

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Planning a 547 mile interstate move from Kentucky to Arkansas? This moving guide will help you compare living in Kentucky vs Arkansas across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like severe weather events vs mild climates), food & health (like Kentucky Fried Chicken vs Arkansas Cheese Dip), real estate & housing (colonial, cape cod vs ranch, craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Kentucky), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Kentucky Fried Chicken and Bourbon BBQ Ribs, but get your taste buds ready for Arkansas Cheese Dip & Smoked Pork Ribs
  • Arkansas housing costs are 1% more expensive than they are in Kentucky
  • Rent in Arkansas is 0.52% more expensive than in Kentucky
  • Moving from Kentucky to Arkansas will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,500
  • Our top recommended Kentucky to Arkansas movers is B2 Moving

Kentucky to Arkansas Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Kentucky to Arkansas

ConsKentucky iconKentucky
  • Severe weather events
  • Limited job opportunities
  • High humidity
  • Isolated rural areas
  • Expensive horse farms
ProsArkansas iconArkansas
  • Mild climates
  • Growing job market
  • Comfortable summers
  • Vibrant urban life
  • Affordable living

Arkansas iconArkansas
  • Lacks local spirits
  • Fewer signature events
  • Less cultural heritage
  • Fewer national parks
  • Fewer close-knit communities
Kentucky iconKentucky
  • Bourbon distilleries
  • Kentucky Derby
  • Rich history
  • Lush horse country
  • Homey small towns

Pros of moving from Kentucky to Arkansas

  • Say goodbye to severe weather events and hello to mild climates
  • Look forward to moving away from limited job opportunities and moving to Arkansas with a growing job market
  • Swap the high humidity of Kentucky for comfortable summers in Arkansas
  • Get ready for a vibrant urban life in Arkansas

Cons of moving from Kentucky to Arkansas

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from bourbon distilleries in Kentucky to live with a lack of local spirits in Arkansas
  • You'll lose out on the pro of the Kentucky Derby and have to settle for the con of fewer signature events
  • Time to bid farewell to rich history and get used to less cultural heritage in Arkansas
  • Swap lush horse country for fewer national parks

Kentucky vs. Arkansas: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonKentuckyArkansas
Most iconic local food itemKentucky Fried ChickenArkansas Cheese Dip
Most popular meat dishBourbon BBQ RibsSmoked Pork Ribs
Most popular street food itemHot Brown SandwichFried Catfish
Most popular vegan foodFried Green TomatoesBlack Bean Burgers
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Lady & Sons
  • Dudley's on Short
  • Holly Hill Inn
  • South on Main
  • Whole Hog CafΓ©
  • McClard's Bar-B-Q
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 Kentucky to Arkansas, you will be trading the iconic Kentucky Fried Chicken of Kentucky for the equally delicious Arkansas Cheese Dip of Arkansas. And while the locals in Kentucky rave about their flavorful Bourbon BBQ Ribs and sumptuous Hot Brown Sandwich, Arkansas residents know they have tasty Smoked Pork Ribs and Fried Catfish to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Fried Green Tomatoes 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 Kentucky eateries like The Lady & Sons, Dudley's on Short, and Holly Hill Inn. After the boxes are unpacked in Arkansas, don't wait too long before making your way to Arkansas' acclaimed eateries like South on Main, Whole Hog CafΓ©, and McClard's Bar-B-Q.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Kentucky and Arkansas

ComparisonKentuckyArkansas
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, Cape CodRanch, 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 backyards, proximity to schoolsLake access, scenic views
  • The Colonial and Cape Cod architecture that Kentucky is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Craftsman architecture typical of Arkansas.
  • Compared to Kentucky's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious backyards and proximity to schools, Arkansas real estate listings often highlight features like lake access and scenic views.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Arkansas is less walkable than Kentucky.
  • Arkansas is similarly bike-friendly to Kentucky.
  • Arkansas has less of an urban feel than Kentucky.
  • Arkansas housing costs are 1% more expensive than they are in Kentucky, with a median home price of $203,305 compared to Kentucky’s $201,332.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Arkansas have increased by 41% compared to a 47% increase in Kentucky.
  • Rent in Arkansas is 0.52% more expensive than in Kentucky.

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

ComparisonKentuckyArkansas
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, Earthquakes
Air QualityGoodGood
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)87Β°F / 66Β°F92Β°F / 72Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)41Β°F / 23Β°F50Β°F / 30Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)49"50"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)11"5"
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Kentucky to Arkansas. Arkansas gets 11% more sunshine days than Kentucky.
  • Arkansas has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Kentucky.
  • Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and floods in Kentucky, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes in Arkansas.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Arkansas is 5 degrees warmer than in Kentucky.
  • The average winter lows are 7 degrees warmer than they are in Kentucky.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Arkansas. Arkansas receives 1 more inch of rain compared to Kentucky.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Kentucky and Arkansas

ComparisonKentuckyArkansas
Avg. Household Income$59,341$55,432
Cost of Living Index87.890.5
State Income Tax5.005.50
Avg. Property Tax0.830.63
Avg. Sales Tax6.006.50
Top 3 IndustriesHealthcare, Manufacturing, AgricultureRetail, Agriculture, Manufacturing
AffluenceModerateVaried
PovertyNoticeableWidespread
HomelessnessConcerningImproving
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Arkansas tend to earn about 7% less than in Kentucky
  • The COLI in Arkansas is 3% higher than what you are used to living in Kentucky
  • The state income tax in Arkansas is 5.50 compared to 5.00 in Kentucky
  • The affluence in Arkansas is varied compared to moderate affluence in Kentucky
  • The poverty level is widespread in Arkansas compared to noticeable poverty in Kentucky
  • In terms of homelessness, it is concerning in Kentucky and improving in Arkansas

Political and Religious Climate in Kentucky vs. Arkansas

ComparisonKentuckyArkansas
Political Make-upModerately conservative, with rural areas leaning more strongly Republican and urban areas more DemocraticConservative, with a strong Republican presence in both urban and rural regions
Local PoliticsDiverse, with a mix of Republican and Democratic leadership depending on the areaLargely Republican leadership at both state and local levels
ReligionPredominantly Christian, with a significant presence of Baptist and Methodist denominationsStrongly Christian, with a high concentration of Baptist followers
  • Kentucky tends to lean moderately conservative in its political climate
  • Arkansas, on the other hand, is often described as conservative with a strong Republican presence in both urban and rural regions
  • Arkansas' religious environment can be described as strongly Christian with a high concentration of Baptist followers
  • Kentucky's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christian with a significant presence of Baptist and Methodist denominations

Education Guide When Moving from Kentucky to Arkansas

ComparisonKentuckyArkansas
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Kentucky
Lexington; University of Louisville
Louisville; Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville; Arkansas State University
Jonesboro; University of Central Arkansas
Conway
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsRosa Parks Elementary
Lexington; Brandeis Elementary
Louisville; Mann Elementary
Union
Baker Interdistrict Elementary
Little Rock; Vandergriff Elementary
Fayetteville; Forest Park Elementary
Little Rock
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBarret Traditional Middle School
Louisville; Beaumont Middle School
Lexington; South Oldham Middle School
Crestwood
Lisa Academy
Little Rock; Thaden School
Bentonville; Haas Hall Academy
Fayetteville
Top 3 High SchoolsDuPont Manual High
Louisville; Highlands High
Fort Thomas; North Oldham High
Goshen
Haas Hall Academy
Fayetteville; Bentonville High
Bentonville; Little Rock Central High
Little Rock
Top 3 private high schoolsSacred Heart Academy
Louisville; Lexington Catholic High
Lexington; St. Xavier High
Louisville
Pulaski Academy
Little Rock; Shiloh Christian School
Springdale; Little Rock Christian Academy
Little Rock
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Lexington School
Lexington; Louisville Collegiate School
Louisville; Sayre School
Lexington
The New School
Fayetteville; Subiaco Academy
Subiaco; Episcopal Collegiate School
Little Rock
Top 3 School DistrictsFayette County Public Schools; Jefferson County Public Schools; Oldham County SchoolsBentonville Public Schools; Fayetteville Public Schools; Little Rock School District

How Much Do Kentucky to Arkansas Movers Cost?

Moving 547 miles from Kentucky to Arkansas will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,000 - $5,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Smooth Move Relocation Services
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,513300 ft3$5.04
1 Bedroom$2,246450 ft3$4.99
2 Bedrooms$3,706750 ft3$4.94
3 Bedrooms$5,3811100 ft3$4.89
4 Bedrooms$7,7471600 ft3$4.84
5+ Bedrooms$8,6261800 ft3$4.79

Top Kentucky to Arkansas Movers

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

TOP PICK
B2 Moving featured image

B2 Moving

Best moving company overall for Kentucky to Arkansas

9.44/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
From Here to There featured image

From Here to There

9.16/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Smooth Move Relocation Services featured image

Smooth Move Relocation Services

9.10/10
ExceptionalView details

Louisville to Arkansas

Lexington to Arkansas