PA to AR Moving Specialists

Pennsylvania to Arkansas Moving Guide

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Updated August 20, 2025

Planning a 1,061 mile interstate move from Pennsylvania to Arkansas? This moving guide will help you compare living in Pennsylvania vs Arkansas across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high taxes vs lower taxes), food & health (like Philly Cheesesteak vs Fried Catfish), real estate & housing (colonial, farmhouse vs ranch, craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Pennsylvania), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Philly Cheesesteak and Pork and Sauerkraut, but get your taste buds ready for Fried Catfish & Smoked Brisket
  • Arkansas housing costs are 22% less expensive than they are in Pennsylvania
  • Rent in Arkansas is 11.31% more affordable than in Pennsylvania
  • Moving from Pennsylvania to Arkansas will cost on average between $2,000 - $6,500
  • Our top recommended Pennsylvania to Arkansas movers is Pittsburgh Moving
Pennsylvania to Arkansas featured image

Top Pennsylvania to Arkansas Movers

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

TOP PICK
Pittsburgh Moving featured image

Pittsburgh Moving

Best moving company overall for Pennsylvania to Arkansas

9.64/10
Exceptional
RUNNER-UP
Keystone Moving & Junk Removal, LLC featured image

Keystone Moving & Junk Removal, LLC

9.51/10
Exceptional
ALSO GREAT
EverSafe Moving Co. featured image

EverSafe Moving Co.

9.50/10
Exceptional

Pennsylvania to Arkansas Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Pennsylvania to Arkansas

ConsPennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • High taxes
  • Cold winters
  • Heavy traffic
  • High cost of living
  • Densely populated
ProsArkansas iconArkansas
  • Lower taxes
  • Warmer climate
  • Less congestion
  • Affordability
  • More open space

Arkansas iconArkansas
  • Less historic sites
  • Cultural shift
  • Fewer dining options
  • Less public transit
  • Limited sports teams
Pennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Rich history
  • Diverse culture
  • Variety of restaurants
  • Public transit options
  • Professional sports

Pros of moving from Pennsylvania to Arkansas

  • Say goodbye to high taxes and hello to lower taxes
  • Look forward to moving away from cold winters and moving to Arkansas with a warmer climate
  • Swap the heavy traffic of Pennsylvania for less congestion in Arkansas
  • Get ready for affordability in Arkansas

Cons of moving from Pennsylvania to Arkansas

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the rich history in Pennsylvania to live with fewer historic sites in Arkansas
  • You'll lose out on the pro of diverse culture and have to settle for the con of a cultural shift
  • Time to bid farewell to the variety of restaurants and get used to fewer dining options in Arkansas
  • Swap public transit options for less public transit

Pennsylvania vs. Arkansas: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonPennsylvaniaArkansas
Most iconic local food itemPhilly CheesesteakFried Catfish
Most popular meat dishPork and SauerkrautSmoked Brisket
Most popular street food itemPretzelsBarbecue Ribs
Most popular vegan foodMushroom SoupAvocado Toast
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Geno's Steaks
  • Zahav
  • Reading Terminal Market
  • McClard's Bar-B-Q
  • South on Main
  • Lost Forty Brewing
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 Pennsylvania to Arkansas, you will be trading the iconic Philly Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania for the equally delicious Fried Catfish of Arkansas. And while the locals in Pennsylvania rave about their flavorful Pork and Sauerkraut and sumptuous Pretzels, Arkansas residents know they have tasty Smoked Brisket and Barbecue Ribs to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Mushroom Soup they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Avocado Toast of Arkansas. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Pennsylvania eateries like Geno's Steaks, Zahav, and Reading Terminal Market. 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, South on Main, and Lost Forty Brewing.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Pennsylvania and Arkansas

ComparisonPennsylvaniaArkansas
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, FarmhouseRanch, 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 listingHardwood floors, updated kitchensLarge yards, proximity to nature
  • The Colonial and Farmhouse architecture that Pennsylvania is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Craftsman architecture typical of Arkansas.
  • Compared to Pennsylvania's real estate listings that commonly reference hardwood floors and updated kitchens, Arkansas real estate listings often highlight features like large yards and proximity to nature.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Arkansas is less walkable than Pennsylvania.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike, as Arkansas is less bike-friendly than Pennsylvania.
  • Arkansas has less of an urban feel than Pennsylvania.
  • Arkansas housing costs are 22% less expensive than they are in Pennsylvania, with a median home price of $203,305 compared to Pennsylvania’s $261,312.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Arkansas have increased by 41% compared to a 43% increase in Pennsylvania.
  • Rent in Arkansas is 11.31% more affordable than in Pennsylvania.

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

ComparisonPennsylvaniaArkansas
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 DisastersFlooding, winter storms/nor'easters, remnants of hurricanes, severe thunderstorms, occasional tornadoesTornadoes, severe thunderstorms and hail, flooding, ice storms, heat waves, remnants of tropical systems
Air QualityGenerally moderate; ozone and particulate spikes in summer, higher in urban/industrial corridorsGenerally good to moderate; summer ozone episodes and occasional wildfire smoke intrusions
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)83degF / 62degF92degF / 72degF
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)36degF / 20degF52degF / 33degF
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4450
Annual Snowfall (Inches)385
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Pennsylvania to Arkansas. Arkansas gets 21% more sunshine days than Pennsylvania.
  • Arkansas has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Pennsylvania.
  • Say goodbye to possible flooding, winter storms, nor'easters, remnants of hurricanes, severe thunderstorms, and occasional tornadoes in Pennsylvania, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, hail, flooding, ice storms, heat waves, and remnants of tropical systems in Arkansas.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Arkansas is 9 degrees warmer than in Pennsylvania.
  • The average winter lows are 13 degrees warmer than they are in Pennsylvania.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Arkansas. Arkansas receives 6 more inches of rain compared to Pennsylvania.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Pennsylvania and Arkansas

ComparisonPennsylvaniaArkansas
Avg. Household Income$71,798$55,432
Cost of Living Index99.790.5
State Income Tax3.07%5.9%
Avg. Property Tax1.58%0.61%
Avg. Sales Tax6.34%9.47%
Top 3 IndustriesHealthcare, Manufacturing, Real EstateRetail, Manufacturing, Agriculture
AffluenceModerateLow
PovertyModerateHigh
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Arkansas tend to earn about 23% less than those in Pennsylvania
  • The COLI in Arkansas is 9% lower than what you are used to living in Pennsylvania
  • The state income tax in Arkansas is 5.9% compared to 3.07% in Pennsylvania
  • The affluence in Arkansas is low compared to moderate affluence in Pennsylvania
  • The poverty level is high in Arkansas compared to moderate poverty in Pennsylvania
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Pennsylvania and moderate in Arkansas

Political and Religious Climate in Pennsylvania vs. Arkansas

ComparisonPennsylvaniaArkansas
Political Make-upModerately LiberalConservative
Local PoliticsMixed with leans toward Democratic in urban areasStrongly Republican, especially in rural areas
ReligionChristian (Catholic and Protestant), Jewish, MuslimPrimarily Christian (Protestant), with smaller religious communities
  • Pennsylvania tends to lean moderately Liberal in its political climate
  • Arkansas, on the other hand, is often described as conservative
  • Arkansas' religious environment can be described as primarily Christian (Protestant) with smaller religious communities
  • Pennsylvania's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christian (Catholic and Protestant), Jewish, and Muslim

Education Guide When Moving from Pennsylvania to Arkansas

ComparisonPennsylvaniaArkansas
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Pennsylvania State University
University Park; University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia; Temple University
Philadelphia
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville; Arkansas State University
Jonesboro; University of Central Arkansas
Conway
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsMerion Elementary School
Merion Station; Cynwyd Elementary School
Bala Cynwyd; Peters Elementary School
Slatington
Forest Heights Elementary School
Little Rock; Hillcrest Elementary School
Batesville; King Elementary School
Van Buren
Top 3 Middle SchoolsRadnor Middle School
Wayne; Welsh Valley Middle School
Narberth; Bala Cynwyd Middle School
Bala Cynwyd
Pinnacle View Middle School
Little Rock; Washington Middle School
El Dorado; Clarksville Junior High School
Clarksville
Top 3 High School SchoolsJulia R. Masterman School
Philadelphia; Downingtown STEM Academy
Downingtown; Central High School
Philadelphia
Haas Hall Academy
Fayetteville; Bentonville High School
Bentonville; Fayetteville High School
Fayetteville
Top 3 private high schoolsThe Hill School
Pottstown; Germantown Friends School
Philadelphia; Episcopal Academy
Newtown Square
Episcopal Collegiate School
Little Rock; Pulaski Academy
Little Rock; Subiaco Academy
Subiaco
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsGermantown Friends School
Philadelphia; The Shipley School
Bryn Mawr; The Haverford School
Haverford
Episcopal Collegiate School
Little Rock; Pulaski Academy
Little Rock; Shiloh Christian School
Springdale
Top 3 School DistrictsTredyffrin-Easttown School District
Berwyn; Radnor Township School District
Wayne; Lower Merion School District
Ardmore
Fayetteville School District
Fayetteville; Bentonville School District
Bentonville; Rogers School District
Rogers

How Much Do Pennsylvania to Arkansas Movers Cost?

Moving 1,061 miles from Pennsylvania to Arkansas will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 1-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: U-Relax Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,804300 ft3$6.01
1 Bedroom$2,683450 ft3$5.96
2 Bedrooms$4,435750 ft3$5.91
3 Bedrooms$6,4501100 ft3$5.86
4 Bedrooms$9,3011600 ft3$5.81
5+ Bedrooms$10,3741800 ft3$5.76

Philadelphia to Arkansas

Pittsburgh to Arkansas