Movers

Minnesota to Arkansas Moving Guide

Updated June 10, 2025

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Planning a 1,031 mile interstate move from Minnesota to Arkansas? This moving guide will help you compare living in Minnesota vs Arkansas across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs mild winters), food & health (like Hotdish vs Fried catfish), real estate & housing (craftsman, modern farmhouse vs ranch style, craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Minnesota), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Hotdish and Wild Rice Burger, but get your taste buds ready for Fried catfish & Smoked Brisket
  • Arkansas housing costs are 39% less expensive than they are in Minnesota
  • Rent in Arkansas is 21.02% more affordable than in Minnesota
  • Moving from Minnesota to Arkansas will cost on average between $2,000 - $6,500
  • Our top recommended Minnesota to Arkansas movers is Metro Movers

Minnesota to Arkansas Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Minnesota to Arkansas

ConsMinnesota iconMinnesota
  • Harsh winters
  • Higher cost of living
  • Less outdoor activity
  • Limited BBQ
ProsArkansas iconArkansas
  • Mild winters
  • Lower cost of living
  • Abundant hiking trails
  • Rich BBQ culture

Arkansas iconArkansas
  • Fewer cultural events
  • Less known schools
  • Fewer job opportunities
  • Limited healthcare access
Minnesota iconMinnesota
  • Rich cultural scene
  • Excellent schools
  • Strong job market
  • Renowned healthcare

Pros of moving from Minnesota to Arkansas

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to mild winters
  • Look forward to moving away from a higher cost of living and moving to Arkansas with a lower cost of living
  • Swap the less outdoor activity of Minnesota for abundant hiking trails in Arkansas
  • Get ready for a rich BBQ culture in Arkansas

Cons of moving from Minnesota to Arkansas

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a rich cultural scene in Minnesota to live with fewer cultural events in Arkansas
  • You'll lose out on the pro of excellent schools and have to settle for the con of less-known schools
  • Time to bid farewell to a strong job market and get used to fewer job opportunities in Arkansas
  • Swap renowned healthcare for limited healthcare access

Minnesota vs. Arkansas: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonMinnesotaArkansas
Most iconic local food itemHotdishFried catfish
Most popular meat dishWild Rice BurgerSmoked Brisket
Most popular street food itemMini DoughnutsFried Pickles
Most popular vegan foodGrain BowlsTofu BBQ
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Spoon and Stable
  • Matt's Bar
  • Cafe Alma
  • McClard's Bar-B-Q
  • Sims Barbecue
  • The Southern Grist
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 Minnesota to Arkansas, you will be trading the iconic Hotdish of Minnesota for the equally delicious Fried Catfish of Arkansas. And while the locals in Minnesota rave about their flavorful Wild Rice Burger and sumptuous Mini Doughnuts, Arkansas residents know they have tasty Smoked Brisket and Fried Pickles to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Grain Bowls they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Tofu BBQ of Arkansas. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Minnesota eateries like Spoon and Stable, Matt's Bar, and Cafe Alma. 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, Sims Barbecue, and The Southern Grist.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Minnesota and Arkansas

ComparisonMinnesotaArkansas
Typical Architecture StyleCraftsman, Modern FarmhouseRanch Style, 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 listingLake access, updated kitchensLarge yards, natural surroundings
  • The Craftsman and Modern Farmhouse architecture that Minnesota is known for will be replaced with the Ranch Style and Craftsman architecture typical of Arkansas.
  • Compared to Minnesota's real estate listings that commonly reference lake access and updated kitchens, Arkansas real estate listings often highlight features like large yards and natural surroundings.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Arkansas is less walkable than Minnesota.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Arkansas is less bike-friendly than Minnesota.
  • Arkansas has less of an urban feel than Minnesota.
  • Arkansas housing costs are 39% less expensive than they are in Minnesota, with a median home price of $203,305 compared to Minnesota’s $331,117.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Arkansas have increased by 41% compared to a 33% increase in Minnesota.
  • Rent in Arkansas is 21.02% more affordable than in Minnesota.

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

ComparisonMinnesotaArkansas
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 DisastersBlizzards, TornadoesTornadoes, Floods
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)83/6392/72
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)24/851/32
Annual Rainfall (Inches)30-3450-60
Annual Snowfall (Inches)36-705-20
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Minnesota to Arkansas. Arkansas gets 10% more sunshine days than Minnesota.
  • Arkansas has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Minnesota.
  • Say goodbye to the possible blizzards and tornadoes in Minnesota, 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 9 degrees warmer than in Minnesota.
  • The average winter lows are 24 degrees warmer than they are in Minnesota.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Arkansas. Arkansas receives 20 more inches of rain compared to Minnesota.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Minnesota and Arkansas

ComparisonMinnesotaArkansas
Avg. Household Income$82,338$55,432
Cost of Living Index98.7590.5
State Income Tax9.85%6.90%
Avg. Property Tax1.15%0.63%
Avg. Sales Tax7.45%9.47%
Top 3 IndustriesHealthcare, Manufacturing, AgricultureAgriculture, Manufacturing, Retail
AffluenceModerateModest
PovertyLowHigh
HomelessnessManagedModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Arkansas tend to earn about 33% less than in Minnesota
  • The COLI in Arkansas is 8% lower than what you are used to living in Minnesota
  • The state income tax in AR is 6.90% compared to 9.85% in MN
  • The affluence in Arkansas is modest compared to moderate affluence in Minnesota
  • The poverty level is high in Arkansas compared to low poverty in Minnesota
  • In terms of homelessness, it is managed in Minnesota and moderate in Arkansas

Political and Religious Climate in Minnesota vs. Arkansas

ComparisonMinnesotaArkansas
Political Make-upLean DemocraticLean Republican
Local PoliticsLiberal in urban areasConservative across most areas
ReligionMainly Protestant, CatholicPrimarily Protestant
  • Minnesota tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
  • Arkansas, on the other hand, is often described as lean Republican
  • Arkansas' religious environment can be described as primarily Protestant
  • Minnesota's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as mainly Protestant and Catholic

Education Guide When Moving from Minnesota to Arkansas

ComparisonMinnesotaArkansas
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Minnesota
Twin Cities; Minnesota State University
Mankato; University of St. Thomas
St. Paul
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville; Arkansas State University
Jonesboro; University of Central Arkansas
Conway
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsScenic Heights Elementary
Minnetonka; Gleason Lake Elementary
Plymouth; Creek Valley Elementary
Edina
Baker Interdistrict Elementary
Little Rock; Forest Park Elementary
Little Rock; Vandergriff Elementary
Fayetteville
Top 3 Middle SchoolsWayzata East Middle School
Plymouth; Minnetonka Middle School East
Minnetonka; Eden Prairie Central Middle School
Eden Prairie
Lisa Academy West Middle School
Little Rock; Woodland Junior High School
Fayetteville; Lingle Middle School
Rogers
Top 3 High School SchoolsEdina High School
Edina; Minnetonka High School
Minnetonka; Wayzata High School
Plymouth
Haas Hall Academy
Fayetteville; Bentonville High School
Bentonville; Little Rock Central High School
Little Rock
Top 3 private high schoolsBreck School
Golden Valley; Blake School
Minneapolis; St. Paul Academy and Summit School
St. Paul
Pulaski Academy
Little Rock; The Baptist Preparatory School
Little Rock; Mount St. Mary Academy
Little Rock
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsBreck School
Golden Valley; Blake School
Minneapolis; Mounds Park Academy
St. Paul
Little Rock Christian Academy
Little Rock; Shiloh Christian School
Springdale; Pulaski Academy
Little Rock
Top 3 School DistrictsMinnetonka Public School District
Minnetonka; Edina Public School District
Edina; Wayzata Public School District
Plymouth
Fayetteville Public Schools
Fayetteville; Bentonville Public Schools
Bentonville; Rogers Public Schools
Rogers

How Much Do Minnesota to Arkansas Movers Cost?

Moving 1,031 miles from Minnesota to Arkansas will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-6 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Metro Movers
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,787300 ft3$5.96
1 Bedroom$2,658450 ft3$5.91
2 Bedrooms$4,392750 ft3$5.86
3 Bedrooms$6,3871100 ft3$5.81
4 Bedrooms$9,2111600 ft3$5.76
5+ Bedrooms$10,2721800 ft3$5.71

Top Minnesota to Arkansas Movers

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

TOP PICK
Metro Movers featured image

Metro Movers

Best moving company overall for Minnesota to Arkansas

9.51/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
B2 Moving featured image

B2 Moving

9.44/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
General Expert Moving Service LLC featured image

General Expert Moving Service LLC

9.29/10
ExceptionalView details

Minneapolis to Arkansas

St. Paul to Arkansas