Mississippi to Arkansas Moving Guide
Updated June 12, 2025

Planning a 322 mile interstate move from Mississippi to Arkansas? This moving guide will help you compare living in Mississippi vs Arkansas across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high humidity vs milder climate), food & health (like Catfish vs Fried Pickles), real estate & housing (antebellum, ranch vs craftsman, colonial), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Arkansas), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Catfish and Pulled Pork BBQ, but get your taste buds ready for Fried Pickles & Smoked Brisket
- Arkansas housing costs are 14% more expensive than they are in Mississippi
- Rent in Arkansas is 3.87% more affordable than in Mississippi
- Moving from Mississippi to Arkansas will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,000
- Our top recommended Mississippi to Arkansas movers is B2 Moving
Mississippi to Arkansas Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Mississippi to Arkansas
- High humidity
- Fewer cultural events
- Limited job market
- Lower healthcare rankings
- Hurricane risk
- Milder climate
- Rich arts scene
- Growing industries
- Better healthcare access
- Lower natural disaster risk
- Less personal space
- Different dining options
- Higher taxes
- Newer developments
- Less rural ambience
- Close-knit communities
- Southern cuisine
- Affordable living
- Rich history
- Rural charm
Pros of moving from Mississippi to Arkansas
- Say goodbye to high humidity and hello to a milder climate
- Look forward to moving away from fewer cultural events and moving to Arkansas with a rich arts scene
- Swap the limited job market of Mississippi for the growing industries in Arkansas
- Get ready for better healthcare access in Arkansas
Cons of moving from Mississippi to Arkansas
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from close-knit communities in Mississippi to live with less personal space in Arkansas
- You'll lose out on the pro of southern cuisine and have to settle for the con of different dining options
- Time to bid farewell to affordable living and get used to higher taxes in Arkansas
- Swap rich history for newer developments
Mississippi vs. Arkansas: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Mississippi | Arkansas |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Catfish | Fried Pickles |
Most popular meat dish | Pulled Pork BBQ | Smoked Brisket |
Most popular street food item | Tamales | Cheese Dip |
Most popular vegan food | Okra Stew | BBQ Jackfruit |
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 Mississippi to Arkansas, you will be trading the iconic Catfish of Mississippi for the equally delicious Fried Pickles of Arkansas. And while the locals in Mississippi rave about their flavorful Pulled Pork BBQ and sumptuous Tamales, Arkansas residents know they have tasty Smoked Brisket and Cheese Dip to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Okra Stew they've grown to love, they can get ready for the BBQ Jackfruit of Arkansas. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Mississippi eateries like The Mayflower Cafe, Walker's Drive-In, and Bully's Restaurant. 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, The Pantry Crest, and Local Lime.
When comparing lifestyles, Arkansas shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Mississippi. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Arkansas compared to what you are used to in Mississippi. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Arkansas.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Mississippi and Arkansas
Comparison | Mississippi | Arkansas |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Antebellum, Ranch | Craftsman, Colonial |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Large yards, proximity to water | Community amenities, green spaces |
- The Antebellum and Ranch architecture that Mississippi is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Colonial architecture typical of Arkansas.
- Compared to Mississippi's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and proximity to water, Arkansas real estate listings often highlight features like community amenities and green spaces.
- Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Arkansas is more walkable than Mississippi.
- Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Arkansas is more bike-friendly than Mississippi.
- Arkansas has more of an urban feel than Mississippi.
- Arkansas housing costs are 14% more expensive than they are in Mississippi, with a median home price of $203,305 compared to Mississippiβs $178,490.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Arkansas have increased by 41% compared to a 31% increase in Mississippi.
- Rent in Arkansas is 3.87% more affordable than in Mississippi.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Mississippi and Arkansas
Comparison | Mississippi | 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 | Hurricanes, Tornadoes | Tornadoes, Floods |
Air Quality | Good | Good to Moderate |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 91/71 | 92/72 |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 55/34 | 51/32 |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 59 | 50 |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 1 | 5 |
- Break out the sunglasses for your move from Mississippi to Arkansas. Arkansas gets 3% more sunshine days than Mississippi.
- Arkansas has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Mississippi.
- Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and tornadoes in Mississippi, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and floods in Arkansas.
- The average summer high temperature in Arkansas is 1 degree warmer than in Mississippi.
- The average winter lows are 2 degrees colder than they are in Mississippi.
- Your umbrella might be neglected in Arkansas. Arkansas receives 9 fewer inches of rain compared to Mississippi.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Mississippi and Arkansas
Comparison | Mississippi | Arkansas |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $52,719 | $55,432 |
Cost of Living Index | 92.1 | 90.5 |
State Income Tax | 5% | 4.9% |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.8% | 0.63% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 7% | 6.5% |
Top 3 Industries | Agriculture, Manufacturing, Oil & Gas | Retail, Agriculture, Manufacturing |
Affluence | Moderate | Moderate |
Poverty | High | High |
Homelessness | Moderate | Low |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Arkansas tend to earn about 5% more than in Mississippi
- The COLI in Arkansas is 2% lower than what you are used to living in Mississippi
- The state income tax in Arkansas is 4.9% compared to 5% in Mississippi
- The affluence in Arkansas is moderate compared to moderate affluence in Mississippi
- The poverty level is high in Arkansas compared to high poverty in Mississippi
- In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Mississippi and low in Arkansas
Political and Religious Climate in Mississippi vs. Arkansas
Comparison | Mississippi | Arkansas |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Traditionally leans Republican, with strong conservative values | Similar conservative leanings, with a mix of Democratic support in urban areas |
Local Politics | Local governments often focused on economic development, education | Issues such as healthcare and infrastructure are commonly debated |
Religion | Highly religious; predominantly Christian with strong Baptist presence | Also predominantly Christian, with a significant number of Baptists and Methodists |
- Mississippi tends to lean traditionally Republican, with strong conservative values in its political climate
- Arkansas, on the other hand, is often described as having similar conservative leanings, with a mix of Democratic support in urban areas
- Arkansas' religious environment can be described as predominantly Christian, with a significant number of Baptists and Methodists
- Mississippi's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as highly religious and predominantly Christian, with a strong Baptist presence
Education Guide When Moving from Mississippi to Arkansas
Comparison | Mississippi | Arkansas |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | University of Mississippi Mississippi State University University of Southern Mississippi | University of Arkansas Arkansas State University University of Central Arkansas |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Mannsdale Upper Elementary Madison; North Bay Elementary Biloxi; Eastside Elementary Clinton | Baker Interdistrict Elementary Little Rock; Forest Park Elementary Little Rock; Vandergriff Elementary Fayetteville |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Northwest Rankin Middle Flowood; Madison Middle Madison; Germantown Middle Madison | Lisa Academy North Middle Sherwood; Woodland Junior High Fayetteville; Fulbright Junior High Bentonville |
Top 3 High Schools | Madison Central High Madison; Lewisburg High Olive Branch; Ocean Springs High Ocean Springs | Haas Hall Academy Fayetteville; Bentonville High Bentonville; Central High Little Rock |
Top 3 private high schools | Jackson Preparatory School Jackson; Madison-Ridgeland Academy Madison; Presbyterian Christian School Hattiesburg | Little Rock Christian Academy Little Rock; Pulaski Academy Little Rock; Subiaco Academy Subiaco |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | St. Andrew's Episcopal School Ridgeland; Jackson Academy Jackson; Heritage Academy Columbus | The New School Fayetteville; Little Rock Christian Academy Little Rock; Shiloh Christian School Springdale |
Top 3 School Districts | Madison County School District Rankin County School District Clinton Public School District | Bentonville School District Fayetteville Public Schools Rogers School District |
How Much Do Mississippi to Arkansas Movers Cost?
Moving 322 miles from Mississippi to Arkansas will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
- Expected Range: $2,000 - $5,000
- Expected Time To Complete: 2-2 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: B2 Moving
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,385 | 300 ft3 | $4.62 |
1 Bedroom | $2,055 | 450 ft3 | $4.57 |
2 Bedrooms | $3,388 | 750 ft3 | $4.52 |
3 Bedrooms | $4,913 | 1100 ft3 | $4.47 |
4 Bedrooms | $7,067 | 1600 ft3 | $4.42 |
5+ Bedrooms | $7,860 | 1800 ft3 | $4.37 |
Top Mississippi to Arkansas Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Mississippi to Arkansas movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.