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Mississippi to Arkansas Moving Guide

Updated June 12, 2025

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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

ConsMississippi iconMississippi
  • High humidity
  • Fewer cultural events
  • Limited job market
  • Lower healthcare rankings
  • Hurricane risk
ProsArkansas iconArkansas
  • Milder climate
  • Rich arts scene
  • Growing industries
  • Better healthcare access
  • Lower natural disaster risk

Arkansas iconArkansas
  • Less personal space
  • Different dining options
  • Higher taxes
  • Newer developments
  • Less rural ambience
Mississippi iconMississippi
  • 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

ComparisonMississippiArkansas
Most iconic local food itemCatfishFried Pickles
Most popular meat dishPulled Pork BBQSmoked Brisket
Most popular street food itemTamalesCheese Dip
Most popular vegan foodOkra StewBBQ Jackfruit
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Mayflower Cafe
  • Walker's Drive-In
  • Bully's Restaurant
  • McClard's Bar-B-Q
  • The Pantry Crest
  • Local Lime
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 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

ComparisonMississippiArkansas
Typical Architecture StyleAntebellum, RanchCraftsman, Colonial
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, proximity to waterCommunity 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 Mississippi’s $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

ComparisonMississippiArkansas
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 DisastersHurricanes, TornadoesTornadoes, Floods
Air QualityGoodGood to Moderate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)91/7192/72
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)55/3451/32
Annual Rainfall (Inches)5950
Annual Snowfall (Inches)15
  • 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

ComparisonMississippiArkansas
Avg. Household Income$52,719$55,432
Cost of Living Index92.190.5
State Income Tax5%4.9%
Avg. Property Tax0.8%0.63%
Avg. Sales Tax7%6.5%
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Manufacturing, Oil & GasRetail, Agriculture, Manufacturing
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyHighHigh
HomelessnessModerateLow
  • 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

ComparisonMississippiArkansas
Political Make-upTraditionally leans Republican, with strong conservative valuesSimilar conservative leanings, with a mix of Democratic support in urban areas
Local PoliticsLocal governments often focused on economic development, educationIssues such as healthcare and infrastructure are commonly debated
ReligionHighly religious; predominantly Christian with strong Baptist presenceAlso 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

ComparisonMississippiArkansas
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 SchoolsMannsdale 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 SchoolsNorthwest 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 SchoolsMadison 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 schoolsJackson 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 schoolsSt. 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 DistrictsMadison 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 - $5,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-2 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: B2 Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,385300 ft3$4.62
1 Bedroom$2,055450 ft3$4.57
2 Bedrooms$3,388750 ft3$4.52
3 Bedrooms$4,9131100 ft3$4.47
4 Bedrooms$7,0671600 ft3$4.42
5+ Bedrooms$7,8601800 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.

TOP PICK
B2 Moving featured image

B2 Moving

Best moving company overall for Mississippi to Arkansas

9.44/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Elite Moving

Elite Moving

8.88/10
ALSO GREAT
MoveMint - Pack & Move

MoveMint - Pack & Move

8.59/10
FabulousView details
Top Mississippi to Arkansas Routes

Jackson to Arkansas