MA to AR Moving Specialists

Massachusetts to Arkansas Moving Guide

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Updated June 19, 2025

Planning a 1,411 mile interstate move from Massachusetts to Arkansas? This moving guide will help you compare living in Massachusetts vs Arkansas across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs milder winters), food & health (like Clam Chowder vs Fried Catfish), real estate & housing (colonial, cape cod vs traditional, craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Massachusetts), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Clam Chowder and Lobster Roll, but get your taste buds ready for Fried Catfish & Smoked Pork Ribs
  • Arkansas housing costs are 67% less expensive than they are in Massachusetts
  • Rent in Arkansas is 48.16% more affordable than in Massachusetts
  • Moving from Massachusetts to Arkansas will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,000
  • Our top recommended Massachusetts to Arkansas movers is Paradise Moving & Storage
Massachusetts to Arkansas featured image

Top Massachusetts to Arkansas Movers

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

TOP PICK
Paradise Moving & Storage featured image

Paradise Moving & Storage

Best moving company overall for Massachusetts to Arkansas

9.70/10
Exceptional
RUNNER-UP
Stairhopper Movers featured image

Stairhopper Movers

9.67/10
Exceptional
ALSO GREAT
Varsity Movers LLC featured image

Varsity Movers LLC

9.66/10
Exceptional

Massachusetts to Arkansas Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Massachusetts to Arkansas

ConsMassachusetts iconMassachusetts
  • Harsh winters
  • High cost of living
  • Traffic congestion
  • Limited outdoor spaces
ProsArkansas iconArkansas
  • Milder winters
  • Lower cost of living
  • Smoother commutes
  • Plentiful nature parks

Arkansas iconArkansas
  • Less historical focus
  • Fewer top schools
  • Fewer major hospitals
  • Less diverse culture
Massachusetts iconMassachusetts
  • Historical sites
  • Quality education
  • Advanced healthcare
  • Cultural diversity

Pros of moving from Massachusetts to Arkansas

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to milder winters
  • Look forward to moving away from the high cost of living and moving to Arkansas with a lower cost of living
  • Swap the traffic congestion of Massachusetts for smoother commutes in Arkansas
  • Get ready for plentiful nature parks in Arkansas

Cons of moving from Massachusetts to Arkansas

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from historical sites in Massachusetts to live with less historical focus in Arkansas
  • You'll lose out on the pro of quality education and have to settle for the con of fewer top schools
  • Time to bid farewell to advanced healthcare and get used to fewer major hospitals in Arkansas
  • Swap cultural diversity for a less diverse culture

Massachusetts vs. Arkansas: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonMassachusettsArkansas
Most iconic local food itemClam ChowderFried Catfish
Most popular meat dishLobster RollSmoked Pork Ribs
Most popular street food itemCannoliBarbecue Nachos
Most popular vegan foodQuinoa SaladBlack Bean Burger
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Legal Sea Foods
  • Union Oyster House
  • Neptune Oyster
  • McClard's Bar-B-Q
  • Catfish Hole
  • Whole Hog CafΓ©
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 Massachusetts to Arkansas, you will be trading the iconic Clam Chowder of Massachusetts for the equally delicious Fried Catfish of Arkansas. And while the locals in Massachusetts rave about their flavorful Lobster Roll and sumptuous Cannoli, Arkansas residents know they have tasty Smoked Pork Ribs and Barbecue Nachos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Quinoa Salad they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Black Bean Burger of Arkansas. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Massachusetts eateries like Legal Sea Foods, Union Oyster House, and Neptune Oyster. 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, Catfish Hole, and Whole Hog CafΓ©.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Massachusetts and Arkansas

ComparisonMassachusettsArkansas
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, Cape CodTraditional, 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 listingProximity to schools and public transportationLarge lots, scenic views
  • The Colonial and Cape Cod architecture that Massachusetts is known for will be replaced with the Traditional and Craftsman architecture typical of Arkansas.
  • Compared to Massachusetts's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to schools and public transportation, Arkansas real estate listings often highlight features like large lots and scenic views.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away as Arkansas is less walkable than Massachusetts.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike as Arkansas is less bike-friendly than Massachusetts.
  • Arkansas has less of an urban feel than Massachusetts.
  • Arkansas housing costs are 67% less expensive than they are in Massachusetts, with a median home price of $203,305 compared to Massachusetts’s $612,509.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Arkansas have increased by 41% compared to a 46% increase in Massachusetts.
  • Rent in Arkansas is 48.16% more affordable than in Massachusetts.

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

ComparisonMassachusettsArkansas
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 DisastersNor'easters, BlizzardsTornadoes, Floods
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)80Β°F / 60Β°F92Β°F / 72Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)37Β°F / 18Β°F51Β°F / 32Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)47.7"50.6"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)43.8"5"
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Massachusetts to Arkansas. Arkansas gets 9% more sunshine days than Massachusetts.
  • Arkansas has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Massachusetts.
  • Say goodbye to the possible nor'easters and blizzards in Massachusetts, 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 12 degrees warmer than in Massachusetts.
  • The average winter lows are 14 degrees warmer than they are in Massachusetts.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Arkansas. Arkansas receives 2.9 more inches of rain compared to Massachusetts.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Massachusetts and Arkansas

ComparisonMassachusettsArkansas
Avg. Household Income$94,488$55,432
Cost of Living Index121.5590.5
State Income Tax5%2% - 5.5%
Avg. Property Tax1.23%0.61%
Avg. Sales Tax6.25%6.5%
Top 3 IndustriesEducation, Technology, FinanceAgriculture, Manufacturing, Retail
AffluenceWealthyModest
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessNoticeableLess Prevalent
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Arkansas tend to earn about 41% less than those in Massachusetts
  • The COLI in Arkansas will be 26% lower than what you are used to living in Massachusetts
  • The state income tax in Arkansas is 2% to 5.5% compared to 5% in Massachusetts
  • The affluence in Arkansas is modest compared to the wealthy in Massachusetts
  • The poverty level is moderate in Arkansas compared to low in Massachusetts
  • In terms of homelessness, it is noticeable in Massachusetts and less prevalent in Arkansas

Political and Religious Climate in Massachusetts vs. Arkansas

ComparisonMassachusettsArkansas
Political Make-upLiberal/DemocraticConservative/Republican
Local PoliticsProgressive policiesTraditional policies
ReligionLess religious diversityMore religious diversity
  • Massachusetts tends to lean Liberal/Democratic in its political climate
  • Arkansas, on the other hand, is often described as Conservative/Republican
  • Arkansas' religious environment can be described as having more religious diversity
  • Massachusetts' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as having less religious diversity

Education Guide When Moving from Massachusetts to Arkansas

ComparisonMassachusettsArkansas
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Harvard University
Cambridge
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge
Boston University
Boston
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville
Arkansas State University
Jonesboro
University of Central Arkansas
Conway
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsHorace Mann Elementary School
Newton
Cabot Elementary School
Newton
Estabrook School
Lexington
Vandergriff Elementary School
Fayetteville
Forest Park Elementary School
Conway
Williams Elementary School
Bentonville
Top 3 Middle SchoolsJonas Clarke Middle School
Lexington
William Diamond Middle School
Lexington
Bigelow Middle School
Newton
Haas Hall Academy
Fayetteville
McNair Middle School
Fayetteville
Hellstern Middle School
Springdale
Top 3 High SchoolsBoston Latin School
Boston
Lexington High School
Lexington
Brookline High School
Brookline
Haas Hall Academy
Fayetteville
Bentonville High School
Bentonville
Fayetteville High School
Fayetteville
Top 3 private high schoolsPhillips Academy Andover
Andover
Deerfield Academy
Deerfield
Buckingham Browne & Nichols School
Cambridge
Subiaco Academy
Subiaco
Pulaski Academy
Little Rock
Baptist Preparatory School
Little Rock
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsMilton Academy
Milton
Noble and Greenough School
Dedham
Groton School
Groton
Little Rock Christian Academy
Little Rock
Episcopal Collegiate School
Little Rock
The New School
Fayetteville
Top 3 School DistrictsLexington Public Schools
Lexington
Newton Public Schools
Newton
Wellesley Public Schools
Wellesley
Bentonville School District
Bentonville
Fayetteville School District
Fayetteville
Rogers School District
Rogers

How Much Do Massachusetts to Arkansas Movers Cost?

Moving 1,411 miles from Massachusetts to Arkansas will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,000 - $7,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Paradise Moving & Storage
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,002300 ft3$6.67
1 Bedroom$2,981450 ft3$6.62
2 Bedrooms$4,931750 ft3$6.57
3 Bedrooms$7,1771100 ft3$6.52
4 Bedrooms$10,3601600 ft3$6.47
5+ Bedrooms$11,5651800 ft3$6.42
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