Movers

North Carolina to Arkansas Moving Guide

Updated June 12, 2025

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Planning a 845 mile interstate move from North Carolina to Arkansas? This moving guide will help you compare living in North Carolina vs Arkansas across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like hurricanes vs fewer natural disasters), food & health (like Pulled Pork BBQ vs Fried Catfish), real estate & housing (colonial, craftsman vs ranch, craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in North Carolina), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Pulled Pork BBQ and Eastern NC Barbecue, but get your taste buds ready for Fried Catfish & Smoked Sausage
  • Arkansas housing costs are 38% less expensive than they are in North Carolina
  • Rent in Arkansas is 24.02% more affordable than in North Carolina
  • Moving from North Carolina to Arkansas will cost on average between $1,500 - $6,000
  • Our top recommended North Carolina to Arkansas movers is Just Move It, LLC

North Carolina to Arkansas Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from North Carolina to Arkansas

ConsNorth Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • Hurricanes
  • High cost of living
  • High property taxes
  • Summer humidity
ProsArkansas iconArkansas
  • Fewer natural disasters
  • More affordable housing
  • Lower property taxes
  • Milder summers

Arkansas iconArkansas
  • Landlocked state
  • Limited job opportunities
  • Less cultural diversity
  • Lack of nightlife
North Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • Coastal access
  • Thriving job market
  • Diverse culture
  • Raleigh nightlife

Pros of moving from North Carolina to Arkansas

  • Say goodbye to hurricanes and hello to fewer natural disasters
  • Look forward to moving away from the high cost of living and moving to Arkansas with more affordable housing
  • Swap the high property taxes of North Carolina for the lower property taxes in Arkansas
  • Get ready for milder summers in Arkansas

Cons of moving from North Carolina to Arkansas

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from coastal access in North Carolina to live in a landlocked state in Arkansas
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a thriving job market and have to settle for the con of limited job opportunities
  • Time to bid farewell to diverse culture and get used to less cultural diversity in Arkansas
  • Swap Raleigh nightlife for a lack of nightlife

North Carolina vs. Arkansas: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonNorth CarolinaArkansas
Most iconic local food itemPulled Pork BBQFried Catfish
Most popular meat dishEastern NC BarbecueSmoked Sausage
Most popular street food itemBoiled PeanutsBarbecue Nachos
Most popular vegan foodSweet Potato BowlBlack Bean Burger
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Stamey's Barbecue
  • Buxton Hall Barbecue
  • Chef & the Farmer
  • McClard's Bar-B-Q
  • The Southern Food Company
  • Trio's Restaurant
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 North Carolina to Arkansas, you will be trading the iconic Pulled Pork BBQ of North Carolina for the equally delicious Fried Catfish of Arkansas. And while the locals in North Carolina rave about their flavorful Eastern NC Barbecue and sumptuous Boiled Peanuts, Arkansas residents know they have tasty Smoked Sausage and Barbecue Nachos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Sweet Potato Bowl 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 North Carolina eateries like Stamey's Barbecue, Buxton Hall Barbecue, and Chef and the Farmer. 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 Southern Food Company, and Trio's Restaurant.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between North Carolina and Arkansas

ComparisonNorth CarolinaArkansas
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, CraftsmanRanch, 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 listingGranite countertops, hardwood floorsLarge backyards, energy efficiency
  • The Colonial and Craftsman architecture that North Carolina is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Craftsman architecture typical of Arkansas.
  • Compared to North Carolina's real estate listings that commonly reference granite countertops and hardwood floors, Arkansas real estate listings often highlight features like large backyards and energy efficiency.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away because Arkansas is less walkable than North Carolina.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike because Arkansas is less bike-friendly than North Carolina.
  • Arkansas has less of an urban feel than North Carolina.
  • Arkansas housing costs are 38% less expensive than they are in North Carolina, with a median home price of $203,305 compared to North Carolina’s $329,225.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Arkansas have increased by 41% compared to a 63% increase in North Carolina.
  • Rent in Arkansas is 24.02% more affordable than in North Carolina.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between North Carolina and Arkansas

ComparisonNorth CarolinaArkansas
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, floodsTornadoes, floods
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)88/6792/72
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)50/3051/32
Annual Rainfall (Inches)5050
Annual Snowfall (Inches)55
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from North Carolina to Arkansas. Arkansas gets 2% more sunshine days than North Carolina.
  • Arkansas has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to North Carolina.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and floods in North Carolina, 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 4 degrees warmer than in North Carolina.
  • The average winter lows are 2 degrees warmer than they are in North Carolina.
  • Your umbrella might be used the same in Arkansas. Arkansas receives inches of rain compared to North Carolina.

Financial & Community Snapshot: North Carolina and Arkansas

ComparisonNorth CarolinaArkansas
Avg. Household Income$67,481$55,432
Cost of Living Index95.8590.5
State Income Tax5.25%5.9%
Avg. Property Tax0.84%0.61%
Avg. Sales Tax6.98%9.47%
Top 3 IndustriesFinance, Technology, RetailAgriculture, Manufacturing, Retail
AffluenceModerateModest
PovertyModerateHigher
HomelessnessNoticeableLess noticeable
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Arkansas tend to earn about 18% less than in North Carolina
  • The COLI in Arkansas is 6% lower than what you are used to living in North Carolina
  • The state income tax in Arkansas is 5.9% compared to 5.25% in North Carolina
  • The affluence in Arkansas is modest compared to moderate affluence in North Carolina
  • The poverty level is higher in Arkansas compared to moderate poverty in North Carolina
  • In terms of homelessness, it is noticeable in North Carolina and less noticeable in Arkansas

Political and Religious Climate in North Carolina vs. Arkansas

ComparisonNorth CarolinaArkansas
Political Make-upModerately balanced with a slight Republican lean in recent electionsLean more towards the Republican Party, especially in state and local elections
Local PoliticsBlend of urban liberal areas and rural conservative areasLargely conservative, rural influence is strong
ReligionMix of Protestant Christianity, with a significant presence of Evangelical and Mainline denominationsHeavily dominated by Evangelical Protestant Christianity with Baptist and Methodist being particularly prominent
  • North Carolina tends to lean moderately balanced with a slight Republican lean in its political climate
  • Arkansas, on the other hand, is often described as leaning more towards the Republican Party, especially in state and local elections
  • Arkansas' religious environment can be described as heavily dominated by Evangelical Protestant Christianity, with Baptist and Methodist being particularly prominent
  • North Carolina's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a mix of Protestant Christianity, with a significant presence of Evangelical and Mainline denominations

Education Guide When Moving from North Carolina to Arkansas

ComparisonNorth CarolinaArkansas
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of North Carolina
Duke University
North Carolina State University
University of Arkansas
Arkansas State University
University of Central Arkansas
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsMorrisville Elementary (Morrisville)
McAlpine Elementary (Charlotte)
Elon Park Elementary (Charlotte)
Baker Interdistrict Elementary (Little Rock)
Vandergriff Elementary (Fayetteville)
Forest Park Elementary (Little Rock)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsJayne Ellen Middle (Charlotte)
Mills Park Middle (Cary)
Ligon Middle (Raleigh)
Lisa Academy (Little Rock)
Elmwood Middle School (Rogers)
Haas Hall Academy (Fayetteville)
Top 3 High School SchoolsRaleigh Charter High School (Raleigh)
North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (Durham)
Providence High (Charlotte)
Haas Hall Academy (Fayetteville)
Bentonville High School (Bentonville)
Central High School (Little Rock)
Top 3 private high schoolsCharlotte Latin School (Charlotte)
Cary Academy (Cary)
Durham Academy (Durham)
Pulaski Academy (Little Rock)
Shiloh Christian School (Springdale)
Mount St. Mary Academy (Little Rock)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsRavenscroft School (Raleigh)
Charlotte Country Day School (Charlotte)
Greensboro Day School (Greensboro)
The Anthony School (Little Rock)
Little Rock Christian Academy (Little Rock)
Episcopal Collegiate School (Little Rock)
Top 3 School DistrictsChapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools
Wake County Public School System
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
Bentonville Public Schools
Fayetteville Public Schools
Rogers Public Schools

How Much Do North Carolina to Arkansas Movers Cost?

Moving 845 miles from North Carolina to Arkansas will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-10 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Raleigh Moving Company
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,682300 ft3$5.61
1 Bedroom$2,500450 ft3$5.56
2 Bedrooms$4,129750 ft3$5.51
3 Bedrooms$6,0011100 ft3$5.46
4 Bedrooms$8,6481600 ft3$5.41
5+ Bedrooms$9,6391800 ft3$5.36

Top North Carolina to Arkansas Movers

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

TOP PICK
Just Move It, LLC featured image

Just Move It, LLC

Best moving company overall for North Carolina to Arkansas

9.50/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Illuminated Moving & Packing featured image

Illuminated Moving & Packing

9.49/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
B2 Moving featured image

B2 Moving

9.44/10
ExceptionalView details

Charlotte to Arkansas

Raleigh to Arkansas

Greensboro to Arkansas

Durham to Arkansas

Winston-Salem to Arkansas

    Fayetteville to Arkansas

      Cary to Arkansas