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Rhode Island to Arkansas Moving Guide

Updated June 8, 2025

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Planning a 1,375 mile interstate move from Rhode Island to Arkansas? This moving guide will help you compare living in Rhode Island vs Arkansas across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs affordable housing), food & health (like Stuffies vs Fried Catfish), real estate & housing (colonial, victorian vs ranch, craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Rhode Island), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Stuffies and Clam Cakes, but get your taste buds ready for Fried Catfish & Smoked Pork Ribs
  • Arkansas housing costs are 55% less expensive than they are in Rhode Island
  • Rent in Arkansas is 36.78% more affordable than in Rhode Island
  • Moving from Rhode Island to Arkansas will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,000
  • Our top recommended Rhode Island to Arkansas movers is B2 Moving

Rhode Island to Arkansas Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Rhode Island to Arkansas

ConsRhode Island iconRhode Island
  • High cost of living
  • Harsh winters
  • Limited outdoor space
  • Dense population
ProsArkansas iconArkansas
  • Affordable housing
  • Milder climate
  • Abundant natural beauty
  • More open spaces

Arkansas iconArkansas
  • Less historical attractions
  • No coastline
  • Further from major cities
  • Less higher education prestige
Rhode Island iconRhode Island
  • Rich history & culture
  • Beautiful coastline
  • Proximity to NYC & Boston
  • Renowned universities

Pros of moving from Rhode Island to Arkansas

  • Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to affordable housing
  • Look forward to moving away from harsh winters and moving to Arkansas with a milder climate
  • Swap the limited outdoor space of Rhode Island for abundant natural beauty in Arkansas
  • Get ready for more open spaces in Arkansas

Cons of moving from Rhode Island to Arkansas

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the rich history and culture in Rhode Island to live with fewer historical attractions in Arkansas
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a beautiful coastline and have to settle with the con of no coastline
  • Time to bid farewell to your proximity to NYC and Boston and get used to being further from major cities in Arkansas
  • Swap renowned universities for less higher education prestige

Rhode Island vs. Arkansas: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonRhode IslandArkansas
Most iconic local food itemStuffiesFried Catfish
Most popular meat dishClam CakesSmoked Pork Ribs
Most popular street food itemHot WienersFried Pickles
Most popular vegan foodSeitan SandwichBBQ Jackfruit
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Al's Corner Restaurant
  • Iggy's Doughboys & Chowder House
  • The Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar
  • McClard's Bar-B-Q
  • Whole Hog CafΓ©
  • Simmons Bank Arena (for food events)
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 Rhode Island to Arkansas, you will be trading the iconic Stuffies of Rhode Island for the equally delicious Fried Catfish of Arkansas. And while the locals in Rhode Island rave about their flavorful Clam Cakes and sumptuous Hot Wieners, Arkansas residents know they have tasty Smoked Pork Ribs and Fried Pickles to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Seitan Sandwich 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 Rhode Island eateries like Al's Corner Restaurant, Iggy's Doughboys and Chowder House, and The Mooring Seafood Kitchen and Bar. 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, Whole Hog CafΓ©, and Simmons Bank Arena for food events.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Rhode Island and Arkansas

ComparisonRhode IslandArkansas
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, VictorianRanch, 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 listingNear water, Historic detailsSpacious yards, Natural landscapes
  • The Colonial and Victorian architecture that Rhode Island is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Craftsman architecture typical of Arkansas.
  • Compared to Rhode Island's real estate listings that commonly reference near water and historic details, Arkansas real estate listings often highlight features like spacious yards and natural landscapes.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Arkansas is less walkable than Rhode Island.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Arkansas is less bike-friendly than Rhode Island.
  • Arkansas has less of an urban feel than Rhode Island.
  • Arkansas housing costs are 55% less expensive than they are in Rhode Island, with a median home price of $203,305 compared to Rhode Island’s $451,868.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Arkansas have increased by 41% compared to a 55% increase in Rhode Island.
  • Rent in Arkansas is 36.78% more affordable than in Rhode Island.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Rhode Island and Arkansas

ComparisonRhode IslandArkansas
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 DisastersSnowstorms, HurricanesTornadoes, Severe Thunderstorms
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)82Β°F / 63Β°F92Β°F / 72Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)40Β°F / 20Β°F50Β°F / 30Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)50"50"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)35"5"
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Rhode Island to Arkansas. Arkansas gets 7% more sunshine days than Rhode Island.
  • Arkansas has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Rhode Island.
  • Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and hurricanes in Rhode Island, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in Arkansas.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Arkansas is 10 degrees warmer than in Rhode Island.
  • The average winter lows are 10 degrees warmer than they are in Rhode Island.
  • Your umbrella might be used the same way in Arkansas. Arkansas receives inches of rain compared to Rhode Island.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Rhode Island and Arkansas

ComparisonRhode IslandArkansas
Avg. Household Income$81,854$55,432
Cost of Living Index123.390.5
State Income Tax3.75-5.99%2-5.5%
Avg. Property Tax1.29%0.61%
Avg. Sales Tax7%9.47%
Top 3 IndustriesHealthcare, Education, ManufacturingAgriculture, Manufacturing, Retail
AffluenceModerateModest
PovertyModerateHigher
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Arkansas tend to earn about 32% less than in Rhode Island
  • The COLI in Arkansas is 27% lower than what you are used to living in Rhode Island
  • The state income tax in Arkansas is 2-5.5% compared to 3.75-5.99% in Rhode Island
  • The affluence in Arkansas is modest compared to moderate affluence in Rhode Island
  • The poverty level is higher in Arkansas compared to moderate poverty in Rhode Island
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Rhode Island and moderate in Arkansas

Political and Religious Climate in Rhode Island vs. Arkansas

ComparisonRhode IslandArkansas
Political Make-upDemocrat-dominantRepublican-dominant
Local PoliticsLiberal-leaning, higher union influenceConservative-leaning, focus on agricultural and business interests
ReligionHigher Catholic presencePrimarily Protestant with a significant Baptist community
  • Rhode Island tends to lean democrat-dominant in its political climate
  • Arkansas, on the other hand, is often described as Republican-dominant
  • Arkansas' religious environment can be described as primarily Protestant with a significant Baptist community
  • Rhode Island's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as having a higher Catholic presence

Education Guide When Moving from Rhode Island to Arkansas

ComparisonRhode IslandArkansas
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Rhode Island
Brown University
Rhode Island College
University of Arkansas
Arkansas State University
University of Central Arkansas
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsRockwell Elementary
Bristol
Nayatt School
Barrington
Community School
Cumberland
Park Magnet
Hot Springs
Forest Park Elementary
Little Rock
Vandergriff Elementary
Fayetteville
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBarrington Middle
Barrington
Community Middle
Cumberland
Broad Rock Middle
South Kingstown
LISA Academy North
North Little Rock
Fulbright Junior High
Bentonville
Woodland Junior High
Fayetteville
Top 3 High SchoolsClassical High School
Providence
Barrington High School
Barrington
East Greenwich High
East Greenwich
Haas Hall Academy
Fayetteville
Bentonville High School
Bentonville
Arkansas School for Mathematics
Sciences
and the Arts
Hot Springs
Top 3 private high schoolsThe Wheeler School
Providence
Moses Brown School
Providence
St. George's School
Middletown
Pulaski Academy
Little Rock
Little Rock Christian Academy
Little Rock
Shiloh Christian School
Springdale
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsLincoln School
Providence
The Wheeler School
Providence
Moses Brown School
Providence
Little Rock Christian Academy
Little Rock
Shiloh Christian School
Springdale
The New School
Fayetteville
Top 3 School DistrictsBarrington School District
East Greenwich Public Schools
Lincoln School District
Bentonville School District
Fayetteville Public Schools
Little Rock School District

How Much Do Rhode Island to Arkansas Movers Cost?

Moving 1,375 miles from Rhode Island 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 - $7,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-2 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: B2 Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,982300 ft3$6.61
1 Bedroom$2,951450 ft3$6.56
2 Bedrooms$4,880750 ft3$6.51
3 Bedrooms$7,1021100 ft3$6.46
4 Bedrooms$10,2511600 ft3$6.41
5+ Bedrooms$11,4421800 ft3$6.36

Top Rhode Island to Arkansas Movers

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

TOP PICK
B2 Moving featured image

B2 Moving

Best moving company overall for Rhode Island to Arkansas

9.44/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Elite Moving

Elite Moving

8.88/10
ALSO GREAT
Two Men and a Truck featured image

Two Men and a Truck

8.29/10
Very GoodView details
Top Rhode Island to Arkansas Routes

Providence to Arkansas