Minnesota to Arkansas Moving Guide
Updated June 10, 2025

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
- Harsh winters
- Higher cost of living
- Less outdoor activity
- Limited BBQ
- Mild winters
- Lower cost of living
- Abundant hiking trails
- Rich BBQ culture
- Fewer cultural events
- Less known schools
- Fewer job opportunities
- Limited healthcare access
- 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
Comparison | Minnesota | Arkansas |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Hotdish | Fried catfish |
Most popular meat dish | Wild Rice Burger | Smoked Brisket |
Most popular street food item | Mini Doughnuts | Fried Pickles |
Most popular vegan food | Grain Bowls | Tofu BBQ |
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 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
Comparison | Minnesota | Arkansas |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Craftsman, Modern Farmhouse | Ranch Style, Craftsman |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Lake access, updated kitchens | Large 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 Minnesotaβs $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
Comparison | Minnesota | 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 | Blizzards, Tornadoes | Tornadoes, Floods |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 83/63 | 92/72 |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 24/8 | 51/32 |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 30-34 | 50-60 |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 36-70 | 5-20 |
- 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
Comparison | Minnesota | Arkansas |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $82,338 | $55,432 |
Cost of Living Index | 98.75 | 90.5 |
State Income Tax | 9.85% | 6.90% |
Avg. Property Tax | 1.15% | 0.63% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 7.45% | 9.47% |
Top 3 Industries | Healthcare, Manufacturing, Agriculture | Agriculture, Manufacturing, Retail |
Affluence | Moderate | Modest |
Poverty | Low | High |
Homelessness | Managed | Moderate |
- 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
Comparison | Minnesota | Arkansas |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Lean Democratic | Lean Republican |
Local Politics | Liberal in urban areas | Conservative across most areas |
Religion | Mainly Protestant, Catholic | Primarily 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
Comparison | Minnesota | Arkansas |
---|---|---|
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 Schools | Scenic 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 Schools | Wayzata 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 Schools | Edina 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 schools | Breck 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 schools | Breck 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 Districts | Minnetonka 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 SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,787 | 300 ft3 | $5.96 |
1 Bedroom | $2,658 | 450 ft3 | $5.91 |
2 Bedrooms | $4,392 | 750 ft3 | $5.86 |
3 Bedrooms | $6,387 | 1100 ft3 | $5.81 |
4 Bedrooms | $9,211 | 1600 ft3 | $5.76 |
5+ Bedrooms | $10,272 | 1800 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.