Massachusetts to Arkansas Moving Guide
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 Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Massachusetts to Arkansas
- Harsh winters
- High cost of living
- Traffic congestion
- Limited outdoor spaces
- Milder winters
- Lower cost of living
- Smoother commutes
- Plentiful nature parks
- Less historical focus
- Fewer top schools
- Fewer major hospitals
- Less diverse culture
- 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
Comparison | Massachusetts | Arkansas |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Clam Chowder | Fried Catfish |
Most popular meat dish | Lobster Roll | Smoked Pork Ribs |
Most popular street food item | Cannoli | Barbecue Nachos |
Most popular vegan food | Quinoa Salad | Black Bean Burger |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
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Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ |
Abundance of Food Trucks | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Foodie Scene | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ |
Vegan Friendly | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± |
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
Comparison | Massachusetts | Arkansas |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Colonial, Cape Cod | Traditional, Craftsman |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Proximity to schools and public transportation | Large 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 Massachusettsβs $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
Comparison | Massachusetts | Arkansas |
---|---|---|
Days of Sunshine per Year | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ |
Avg. UV Index | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ |
Natural Disasters | Nor'easters, Blizzards | Tornadoes, Floods |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 80Β°F / 60Β°F | 92Β°F / 72Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 37Β°F / 18Β°F | 51Β°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
Comparison | Massachusetts | Arkansas |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $94,488 | $55,432 |
Cost of Living Index | 121.55 | 90.5 |
State Income Tax | 5% | 2% - 5.5% |
Avg. Property Tax | 1.23% | 0.61% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 6.25% | 6.5% |
Top 3 Industries | Education, Technology, Finance | Agriculture, Manufacturing, Retail |
Affluence | Wealthy | Modest |
Poverty | Low | Moderate |
Homelessness | Noticeable | Less 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
Comparison | Massachusetts | Arkansas |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Liberal/Democratic | Conservative/Republican |
Local Politics | Progressive policies | Traditional policies |
Religion | Less religious diversity | More 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
Comparison | Massachusetts | Arkansas |
---|---|---|
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 Schools | John D. Runkle Brookline; Joseph E. Fiske Wellesley; Vinson-Owen Winchester | Forest Park Little Rock; Vandergriff Fayetteville; Jefferson Little Rock |
Top 3 Middle Schools | William 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 Schools | Boston 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 schools | Phillips 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 schools | British 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 Districts | Lexington; Weston; Wayland | Bentonville; 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 SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $2,002 | 300 ft3 | $6.67 |
1 Bedroom | $2,981 | 450 ft3 | $6.62 |
2 Bedrooms | $4,931 | 750 ft3 | $6.57 |
3 Bedrooms | $7,177 | 1100 ft3 | $6.52 |
4 Bedrooms | $10,360 | 1600 ft3 | $6.47 |
5+ Bedrooms | $11,565 | 1800 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.

Paradise Moving & Storage
Best moving company overall for Massachusetts to Arkansas