Movers

Missouri to Arkansas Moving Guide

Updated June 4, 2025

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Planning a 241 mile interstate move from Missouri to Arkansas? This moving guide will help you compare living in Missouri vs Arkansas across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like extreme humidity vs milder climate), food & health (like St. Louis-style BBQ vs Arkansas Catfish), real estate & housing (colonial, ranch vs craftsman, ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Missouri), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to St. Louis-style BBQ and Kansas City-style ribs, but get your taste buds ready for Arkansas Catfish & Fried Chicken
  • Arkansas housing costs are 16% less expensive than those in Missouri
  • Rent in Arkansas is 1.40% more affordable than in Missouri
  • Moving from Missouri to Arkansas will cost on average between $1,500 - $4,500
  • Our top recommended Missouri to Arkansas movers is Sunrise Moving and Packing, LLC

Missouri to Arkansas Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Missouri to Arkansas

ConsMissouri iconMissouri
  • Extreme humidity
  • High state taxes
  • Dense traffic in cities
ProsArkansas iconArkansas
  • Milder climate
  • Lower taxes
  • Less traffic

Arkansas iconArkansas
  • Fewer cultural events
  • Lower education funding
  • Limited restaurant options
Missouri iconMissouri
  • Rich cultural scene
  • Great education
  • Diverse dining choices

Pros of moving from Missouri to Arkansas

  • Say goodbye to extreme humidity and hello to a milder climate
  • Look forward to moving away from high state taxes and moving to Arkansas with lower taxes
  • Swap the dense traffic in cities of Missouri for less traffic in Arkansas

Cons of moving from Missouri to Arkansas

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a rich cultural scene in Missouri to live with fewer cultural events in Arkansas
  • You'll lose out on the pro of great education and have to settle for the con of lower education funding
  • Time to bid farewell to diverse dining choices and get used to limited restaurant options in Arkansas

Missouri vs. Arkansas: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonMissouriArkansas
Most iconic local food itemSt. Louis-style BBQArkansas Catfish
Most popular meat dishKansas City-style ribsFried Chicken
Most popular street food itemToasted RavioliPossum Pie
Most popular vegan foodCauliflower WingsBlack Bean Burger
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10)πŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10)🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene (out of 10)🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly (out of 10)🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from Missouri to Arkansas, you will be trading the iconic St. Louis-style BBQ of Missouri for the equally delicious Arkansas catfish. And while the locals in Missouri rave about their flavorful Kansas City-style ribs and sumptuous toasted ravioli, Arkansas residents know they have tasty fried chicken and possum pie to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the cauliflower wings 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 Missouri eateries like Pappy's Smokehouse, Blue Stem, and Side Street Grill. 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, South on Main, and Mike's Place.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Missouri and Arkansas

ComparisonMissouriArkansas
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, RanchCraftsman, Ranch
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 listingLarge yards, GaragesLakeside views, Outdoor spaces
  • The Colonial and Ranch architecture that Missouri is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Ranch architecture typical of Arkansas.
  • Compared to Missouri's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and garages, Arkansas real estate listings often highlight features like lakeside views and outdoor spaces.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Arkansas is less walkable than Missouri.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Arkansas is less bike-friendly than Missouri.
  • Arkansas has less of an urban feel than Missouri.
  • Arkansas housing costs are 16% less expensive than those in Missouri with a median home price of $203,305 compared to Missouri’s $243,216.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Arkansas have increased by 41% compared to a 49% increase in Missouri.
  • Rent in Arkansas is 1.40% more affordable than in Missouri.

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

ComparisonMissouriArkansas
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 DisastersTornadoes, floods, severe stormsTornadoes, floods, severe storms
Air QualityGood to moderateGood to moderate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)89/6792/72
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)40/2050/30
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4250
Annual Snowfall (Inches)185
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Missouri to Arkansas. Arkansas gets 6% more sunshine days than Missouri.
  • Arkansas has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Missouri.
  • Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes, floods, and severe storms in Missouri, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes, floods, and severe storms in Arkansas.
  • The average summer high temperature in Arkansas is 3 degrees warmer than in Missouri.
  • The average winter lows are 10 degrees warmer than they are in Missouri.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Arkansas. Arkansas receives 8 more inches of rain compared to Missouri.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Missouri and Arkansas

ComparisonMissouriArkansas
Avg. Household Income$64,811$55,432
Cost of Living Index91.890.5
State Income Tax5.4%5.9%
Avg. Property Tax0.91%0.61%
Avg. Sales Tax8.19%9.51%
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Manufacturing, HealthcareAgriculture, Retail, Manufacturing
AffluenceModerateBelow Average
PovertyModerateHigher
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Arkansas tend to earn about 14% less than in Missouri
  • The COLI in Arkansas is 1% lower than what you are used to living in Missouri
  • The state income tax in AR is 5.9% compared to 5.4% in MO
  • The affluence in Arkansas is below average compared to moderate in Missouri
  • The poverty level is higher in Arkansas compared to moderate in Missouri
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Missouri and moderate in Arkansas

Political and Religious Climate in Missouri vs. Arkansas

ComparisonMissouriArkansas
Political Make-upLean ConservativeConservative
Local PoliticsMixed urban/rural influencesRural inclinations
ReligionChristian dominated, Baptists, MethodistsStrong Baptist presence
  • Missouri tends to lean Conservative in its political climate
  • Arkansas, on the other hand, is often described as conservative
  • Arkansas' religious environment can be described as having a strong Baptist presence
  • Missouri's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christian dominated, including Baptists and Methodists

Education Guide When Moving from Missouri to Arkansas

ComparisonMissouriArkansas
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Missouri-Columbia
Missouri State University-Springfield
University of Missouri-Kansas City
University of Arkansas-Fayetteville
Arkansas State University-Jonesboro
University of Central Arkansas-Conway
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsConway Elementary (St. Louis)
Wilson's Creek Intermediate (Springfield)
Mason Ridge Elementary (St. Louis)
Baker Interdistrict Elementary (Little Rock)
Vandergriff Elementary (Fayetteville)
Forest Park Elementary (Little Rock)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsLadue Middle (St. Louis)
Pembroke Hill Middle (Kansas City)
John Burroughs School (St. Louis)
Haas Hall Academy (Fayetteville)
LISA Academy North (Sherwood)
Thaden School (Bentonville)
Top 3 High SchoolsClayton High (St. Louis)
Ladue Horton Watkins High (St. Louis)
Parkway West High (Ballwin)
Haas Hall Academy (Fayetteville)
Bentonville High (Bentonville)
Arkansas School for Mathematics
Sciences
and the Arts (Hot Springs)
Top 3 private high schoolsPembroke Hill School (Kansas City)
John Burroughs School (St. Louis)
The Barstow School (Kansas City)
Pulaski Academy (Little Rock)
Subiaco Academy (Subiaco)
Episcopal Collegiate School (Little Rock)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThomas Jefferson School (St. Louis)
The Fulton School at St. Albans (St. Albans)
Crossroads College Prep (St. Louis)
Little Rock Christian Academy (Little Rock)
Shiloh Christian School (Springdale)
The New School (Fayetteville)
Top 3 School DistrictsClayton School District
Ladue School District
Parkway School District
Bentonville School District
Fayetteville School District
Rogers School District

How Much Do Missouri to Arkansas Movers Cost?

Moving 241 miles from Missouri to Arkansas will typically cost between $2,000 and $4,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,000 - $4,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 3-8 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Sunrise Moving and Packing, LLC
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,339300 ft3$4.46
1 Bedroom$1,986450 ft3$4.41
2 Bedrooms$3,273750 ft3$4.36
3 Bedrooms$4,7451100 ft3$4.31
4 Bedrooms$6,8221600 ft3$4.26
5+ Bedrooms$7,5851800 ft3$4.21

Top Missouri to Arkansas Movers

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

TOP PICK
Sunrise Moving and Packing, LLC featured image

Sunrise Moving and Packing, LLC

Best moving company overall for Missouri to Arkansas

9.62/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
B2 Moving featured image

B2 Moving

9.44/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Tiger Moving LLC featured image

Tiger Moving LLC

9.35/10
ExceptionalView details

Kansas City to Arkansas

St. Louis to Arkansas

Springfield to Arkansas