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Oklahoma to Arkansas Moving Guide

Updated June 21, 2025

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Planning a 356 mile interstate move from Oklahoma to Arkansas? This moving guide will help you compare living in Oklahoma vs Arkansas across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like tornado frequency vs milder weather patterns), food & health (like Chicken Fried Steak vs Chocolate Gravy and Biscuits), real estate & housing (ranch vs craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Oklahoma), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Chicken Fried Steak and Barbecue Brisket, but get your taste buds ready for Chocolate Gravy and Biscuits & Fried Catfish
  • Arkansas housing costs are 0% less expensive than they are in Oklahoma
  • Rent in Arkansas is 3.63% more expensive than in Oklahoma
  • Moving from Oklahoma to Arkansas will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,000
  • Our top recommended Oklahoma to Arkansas movers is B2 Moving

Oklahoma to Arkansas Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Oklahoma to Arkansas

ConsOklahoma iconOklahoma
  • Tornado frequency
  • Limited outdoor activities
  • Fewer lakes
  • Flat landscapes
ProsArkansas iconArkansas
  • Milder weather patterns
  • Abundant state parks
  • Numerous lakes and rivers
  • Scenic Ozark Mountains

Arkansas iconArkansas
  • Slightly higher taxes
  • Fewer urban hubs
  • More rural employment
  • Quieter cities
Oklahoma iconOklahoma
  • Lower cost of living
  • Major city amenities
  • Stable job market
  • Vibrant nightlife

Pros of moving from Oklahoma to Arkansas

  • Say goodbye to tornado frequency and hello to milder weather patterns
  • Look forward to moving away from limited outdoor activities and moving to Arkansas with abundant state parks
  • Swap the fewer lakes of Oklahoma for numerous lakes and rivers in Arkansas
  • Get ready for the scenic Ozark Mountains in Arkansas

Cons of moving from Oklahoma to Arkansas

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the lower cost of living in Oklahoma to live with slightly higher taxes in Arkansas
  • You'll lose out on the pro of major city amenities and have to settle for the con of fewer urban hubs
  • Time to bid farewell to a stable job market and get used to more rural employment in Arkansas
  • Swap vibrant nightlife for quieter cities

Oklahoma vs. Arkansas: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonOklahomaArkansas
Most iconic local food itemChicken Fried SteakChocolate Gravy and Biscuits
Most popular meat dishBarbecue BrisketFried Catfish
Most popular street food itemIndian TacosSmoked Sausages
Most popular vegan foodFried OkraBlack Bean Burgers
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Cattlemen's Steakhouse
  • Eischen's Bar
  • Hideaway Pizza
  • McClard's Bar-B-Q
  • Sims Bar-B-Que
  • The Southern Food Company
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 Oklahoma to Arkansas, you will be trading the iconic Chicken Fried Steak of Oklahoma for the equally delicious Chocolate Gravy and Biscuits of Arkansas. And while the locals in Oklahoma rave about their flavorful Barbecue Brisket and sumptuous Indian Tacos, Arkansas residents know they have tasty Fried Catfish and Smoked Sausages to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Fried Okra they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Black Bean Burgers of Arkansas. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Oklahoma eateries like Cattlemen's Steakhouse, Eischen's Bar, and Hideaway Pizza. 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, Sims Bar-B-Que, and The Southern Food Company.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Oklahoma and Arkansas

ComparisonOklahomaArkansas
Typical Architecture StyleRanchCraftsman
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, GaragesNatural landscapes, Energy efficiency
  • The Ranch architecture that Oklahoma is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman architecture typical of Arkansas.
  • Compared to Oklahoma's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and garages, Arkansas real estate listings often highlight features like natural landscapes and energy efficiency.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Arkansas is more walkable than Oklahoma.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Arkansas is more bike-friendly than Oklahoma.
  • Arkansas has more of an urban feel than Oklahoma.
  • Arkansas housing costs are 0% less expensive than they are in Oklahoma, with a median home price of $203,305 compared to Oklahoma’s $203,455.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Arkansas have increased by 41% compared to a 50% increase in Oklahoma.
  • Rent in Arkansas is 3.63% more expensive than in Oklahoma.

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

ComparisonOklahomaArkansas
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, HailTornadoes, Floods
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)94Β°F / 72Β°F92Β°F / 73Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)50Β°F / 30Β°F51Β°F / 32Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)36"50"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)10"5"
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Oklahoma to Arkansas. Arkansas gets 6% fewer sunshine days than Oklahoma.
  • Arkansas has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Oklahoma.
  • Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and hail in Oklahoma, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and floods in Arkansas.
  • The average summer high temperature in Arkansas is 2 degrees colder than in Oklahoma.
  • The average winter lows are 2 degrees warmer than in Oklahoma.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Arkansas. Arkansas receives 14 more inches of rain compared to Oklahoma.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Oklahoma and Arkansas

ComparisonOklahomaArkansas
Avg. Household Income$59,673$55,432
Cost of Living Index90.190.5
State Income Tax5%5.5%
Avg. Property Tax0.9%0.6%
Avg. Sales Tax8.75%9.47%
Top 3 IndustriesEnergy, Agriculture, AviationAgriculture, Healthcare, Retail
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyNotableSignificant
HomelessnessNoticeableVisible
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Arkansas tend to earn about 7% less than in Oklahoma
  • The COLI in Arkansas is 0% higher than what you are used to living in Oklahoma
  • The state income tax in Arkansas is 5.5% compared to 5% in Oklahoma
  • The affluence in Arkansas is moderate compared to moderate affluence in Oklahoma
  • The poverty level is significant in Arkansas compared to notable poverty in Oklahoma
  • In terms of homelessness, it is noticeable in Oklahoma and visible in Arkansas

Political and Religious Climate in Oklahoma vs. Arkansas

ComparisonOklahomaArkansas
Political Make-upLeans RepublicanLeans Republican
Local PoliticsConservative, with emphasis on economic developmentConservative, but with a focus on agricultural policies
ReligionProtestant majority, with a significant Baptist presenceProtestant majority, strong Baptist and Methodist communities
  • Oklahoma tends to lean Republican in its political climate
  • Arkansas, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Republican
  • Arkansas' religious environment can be described as a protestant majority with strong Baptist and Methodist communities
  • Oklahoma's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a protestant majority, with a significant Baptist presence

Education Guide When Moving from Oklahoma to Arkansas

ComparisonOklahomaArkansas
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Oklahoma
Oklahoma State University
University of Tulsa
University of Arkansas
Arkansas State University
University of Central Arkansas
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsChisholm Elementary School - Edmond
Oakdale Public School - Edmond
Russell Dougherty Elementary School - Edmond
Baker Interdistrict Elementary School - Little Rock
Forest Park Elementary School - Little Rock
Vandergriff Elementary School - Fayetteville
Top 3 Middle SchoolsWhittier Middle School - Norman
Central Middle School - Edmond
Sequoyah Middle School - Edmond
LISA Academy North Middle School - Sherwood
McNair Middle School - Fayetteville
Bentonville Middle School - Bentonville
Top 3 High SchoolsEdmond North High School - Edmond
Norman North High School - Norman
Jenks High School - Jenks
Haas Hall Academy - Fayetteville
Bentonville High School - Bentonville
Fayetteville High School - Fayetteville
Top 3 private high schoolsCascia Hall Preparatory School - Tulsa
Heritage Hall - Oklahoma City
Bishop Kelley High School - Tulsa
Pulaski Academy - Little Rock
Shiloh Christian School - Springdale
Little Rock Christian Academy - Little Rock
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsHeritage Hall - Oklahoma City
Holland Hall - Tulsa
Crossings Christian School - Oklahoma City
The Anthony School - Little Rock
Fayetteville Christian School - Fayetteville
Shiloh Christian School - Springdale
Top 3 School DistrictsEdmond Public Schools
Norman Public Schools
Jenks Public Schools
Bentonville Public Schools
Fayetteville Public Schools
Rogers Public Schools

How Much Do Oklahoma to Arkansas Movers Cost?

Moving 356 miles from Oklahoma 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 - $5,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: B2 Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,404300 ft3$4.68
1 Bedroom$2,084450 ft3$4.63
2 Bedrooms$3,436750 ft3$4.58
3 Bedrooms$4,9841100 ft3$4.53
4 Bedrooms$7,1701600 ft3$4.48
5+ Bedrooms$7,9761800 ft3$4.43

Top Oklahoma to Arkansas Movers

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

TOP PICK
B2 Moving featured image

B2 Moving

Best moving company overall for Oklahoma to Arkansas

9.44/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Serenity Moving Services featured image

Serenity Moving Services

9.11/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Sneedworks featured image

Sneedworks

9.05/10
ExceptionalView details

Oklahoma City to Arkansas

Tulsa to Arkansas