Movers

New York to Arkansas Moving Guide

Updated June 6, 2025

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Planning a 1,282 mile interstate move from New York to Arkansas? This moving guide will help you compare living in New York vs Arkansas across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs lower housing prices), food & health (like Bagels vs Fried Catfish), real estate & housing (brownstone, modern high-rise vs craftsman, ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in New York), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Bagels and New York Strip Steak, but get your taste buds ready for Fried Catfish & Smoked Pork Ribs
  • Arkansas housing costs are 56% less expensive than they are in New York
  • Rent in Arkansas is 47.33% more affordable than in New York
  • Moving from New York to Arkansas will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,000
  • Our top recommended New York to Arkansas movers is JP Urban Moving

New York to Arkansas Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from New York to Arkansas

ConsNew York iconNew York
  • High cost of living
  • Heavy traffic
  • Harsh winters
  • Noise pollution
  • Limited outdoor space
ProsArkansas iconArkansas
  • Lower housing prices
  • Less congestion
  • Milder winters
  • Peaceful environment
  • Ample parks and nature

Arkansas iconArkansas
  • Fewer entertainment options
  • Less cultural diversity
  • Narrow job market
  • Limited transport options
  • Fewer dining choices
New York iconNew York
  • Vibrant nightlife
  • Diverse culture
  • Career opportunities
  • Public transportation
  • Renowned restaurants

Pros of moving from New York to Arkansas

  • Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to lower housing prices
  • Look forward to moving away from heavy traffic and moving to Arkansas with less congestion
  • Swap the harsh winters of New York for milder winters in Arkansas
  • Get ready for a peaceful environment in Arkansas

Cons of moving from New York to Arkansas

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from vibrant nightlife in New York to live with fewer entertainment options in Arkansas
  • You'll lose out on the pro of diverse culture and have to settle for the con of less cultural diversity
  • Time to bid farewell to career opportunities and get used to a narrow job market in Arkansas
  • Swap public transportation for limited transport options

New York vs. Arkansas: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonNew YorkArkansas
Most iconic local food itemBagelsFried Catfish
Most popular meat dishNew York Strip SteakSmoked Pork Ribs
Most popular street food itemPizzaFried Pies
Most popular vegan foodAvocado ToastBBQ Jackfruit
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Katz's Delicatessen
  • Per Se
  • Dominique Ansel Bakery
  • McClard's Bar-B-Q
  • Southern Food Company
  • Doe's Eat Place
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 New York to Arkansas, you will be trading the iconic Bagels of New York for the equally delicious Fried Catfish of Arkansas. And while the locals in New York rave about their flavorful New York Strip Steak and sumptuous Pizza, Arkansas residents know they have tasty Smoked Pork Ribs and Fried Pies to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Avocado Toast 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 New York eateries like Katz's Delicatessen, Per Se, and Dominique Ansel Bakery. 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, Southern Food Company, and Doe's Eat Place.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between New York and Arkansas

ComparisonNew YorkArkansas
Typical Architecture StyleBrownstone, Modern High-RiseCraftsman, 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 listingClose to subway, Hardwood floorsLarge lots, Outdoor living space
  • The Brownstone and Modern High-Rise architecture that New York is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Ranch architecture typical of Arkansas.
  • Compared to New York's real estate listings, which commonly reference proximity to the subway and hardwood floors, Arkansas real estate listings often highlight features like large lots and outdoor living space.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away as Arkansas is less walkable than New York.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike because Arkansas is less bike-friendly than New York.
  • Arkansas has less of an urban feel than New York.
  • Arkansas housing costs are 56% less expensive than they are in New York, with a median home price of $203,305 compared to New York’s $460,812.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Arkansas have increased by 41% compared to a 36% increase in New York.
  • Rent in Arkansas is 47.33% more affordable than in New York.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between New York and Arkansas

ComparisonNew YorkArkansas
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 DisastersBlizzards, HurricanesTornadoes, Floods
Air QualityGood to ModerateGood to Moderate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)82Β°F / 62Β°F92Β°F / 72Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)39Β°F / 26Β°F51Β°F / 32Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)42"50"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)25"5"
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from New York to Arkansas. Arkansas gets 3% fewer sunshine days than New York.
  • Arkansas has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to New York.
  • Say goodbye to the possible blizzards and hurricanes in New York, 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 10 degrees warmer than in New York.
  • The average winter lows are 6 degrees warmer than they are in New York.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Arkansas. Arkansas receives 8 more inches of rain compared to New York.

Financial & Community Snapshot: New York and Arkansas

ComparisonNew YorkArkansas
Avg. Household Income$79,557$55,432
Cost of Living Index102.890.5
State Income Tax4%-8.82%2%-5.9%
Avg. Property Tax1.68%0.63%
Avg. Sales Tax8.52%9.47%
Top 3 IndustriesFinance, Healthcare, Real EstateRetail, Agriculture, Manufacturing
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyModerateHigher
HomelessnessSignificantLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Arkansas tend to earn about 30% less than in New York
  • The COLI in Arkansas is 12% lower than what you are used to living in New York
  • The state income tax in AR is 2%-5.9% compared to 4%-8.82% in NY
  • The affluence in Arkansas is moderate compared to high in New York
  • The poverty level is higher in Arkansas compared to moderate in New York
  • In terms of homelessness, it is significant in New York and low in Arkansas

Political and Religious Climate in New York vs. Arkansas

ComparisonNew YorkArkansas
Political Make-upGenerally liberalPredominantly conservative
Local PoliticsProgressive, urban-focusedTraditional, rural-focused
ReligionDiverse with multiple faithsPredominantly Christian
  • New York tends to lean generally liberal in its political climate
  • Arkansas, on the other hand, is often described as predominantly conservative
  • Arkansas' religious environment can be described as predominantly Christian
  • New York's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse with multiple faiths

Education Guide When Moving from New York to Arkansas

ComparisonNew YorkArkansas
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)New York University
Columbia University
Cornell University
University of Arkansas
Arkansas State University
University of Central Arkansas
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsPS 77 Lower Lab School (New York City)
Success Academy Charter School (Bronx)
Anderson School (New York City)
Baker Interdistrict Elementary School (Little Rock)
Vandergriff Elementary School (Fayetteville)
Forest Park Elementary (Little Rock)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsJericho Middle School (Jericho)
Rye Neck Middle School (Mamaroneck)
I.S. 187 The Christa McAuliffe School (Brooklyn)
Thaden School (Bentonville)
LISA Academy (Little Rock)
Haas Hall Academy (Fayetteville)
Top 3 High SchoolsStuyvesant High School (New York City)
Bronx High School of Science (Bronx)
Brooklyn Technical High School (Brooklyn)
Haas Hall Academy (Fayetteville)
Bentonville High School (Bentonville)
Arkansas School for Mathematics
Sciences
and the Arts (Hot Springs)
Top 3 private high schoolsHorace Mann School (Bronx)
Trinity School (New York City)
Collegiate School (New York City)
Shiloh Christian School (Springdale)
Little Rock Christian Academy (Little Rock)
Pulaski Academy (Little Rock)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Chapin School (New York City)
The Brearley School (New York City)
Riverdale Country School (Bronx)
The New School (Fayetteville)
Subiaco Academy (Subiaco)
Episcopal Collegiate School (Little Rock)
Top 3 School DistrictsScarsdale Union Free School District
Jericho Union Free School District
Syosset Central School District
Bentonville School District
Fayetteville Public Schools
Rogers Public Schools

How Much Do New York to Arkansas Movers Cost?

Moving 1,282 miles from New York to Arkansas will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,000 - $7,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-7 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Magical Moving & Storage
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,929300 ft3$6.43
1 Bedroom$2,871450 ft3$6.38
2 Bedrooms$4,748750 ft3$6.33
3 Bedrooms$6,9091100 ft3$6.28
4 Bedrooms$9,9701600 ft3$6.23
5+ Bedrooms$11,1261800 ft3$6.18

Top New York to Arkansas Movers

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

TOP PICK
JP Urban Moving featured image

JP Urban Moving

Best moving company overall for New York to Arkansas

9.85/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Metropolis Moving featured image

Metropolis Moving

9.72/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Flex Moving and Storage featured image

Flex Moving and Storage

9.70/10
ExceptionalView details
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