Movers

Massachusetts to Arkansas Moving Guide

Updated June 19, 2025

Hero background image

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 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
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Boston University
University of Arkansas
Arkansas State University
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsJohn D. Runkle
Brookline; Joseph E. Fiske
Wellesley; Vinson-Owen
Winchester
Forest Park
Little Rock; Vandergriff
Fayetteville; Jefferson
Little Rock
Top 3 Middle SchoolsWilliam Diamond
Lexington; Raymond J. Grey
Acton; Jonas Clarke
Lexington
LISA Academy North
North Little Rock; Haas Hall Academy
Fayetteville; Fulbright Junior High
Bentonville
Top 3 High School SchoolsBoston Latin School
Boston; Lexington High
Lexington; Brookline High
Brookline
Haas Hall Academy
Bentonville; Little Rock Central High
Little Rock; Bentonville High
Bentonville
Top 3 private high schoolsPhillips Academy
Andover; Milton Academy
Milton; Noble and Greenough School
Dedham
Pulaski Academy
Little Rock; Little Rock Christian Academy
Little Rock; Shiloh Christian School
Springdale
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsBritish International School of Boston
Boston; International School of Boston
Cambridge; The Newman School
Boston
The Anthony School
Little Rock; Catholic High School for Boys
Little Rock; Mount St. Mary Academy
Little Rock
Top 3 School DistrictsLexington; Weston; WaylandBentonville; Fayetteville; 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 - $7,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Centaur Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/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

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

9.71/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Stairhopper Movers featured image

Stairhopper Movers

9.66/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Varsity Movers LLC featured image

Varsity Movers LLC

9.66/10
ExceptionalView details
Top Massachusetts to Arkansas Routes

Boston to Arkansas

Worcester to Arkansas

    Springfield to Arkansas