Movers

Tennessee to Arkansas Moving Guide

Updated June 19, 2025

Hero background image

Planning a 357 mile interstate move from Tennessee to Arkansas? This moving guide will help you compare living in Tennessee vs Arkansas across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high sales tax vs lower sales tax), food & health (like Hot Chicken vs Fried Catfish), real estate & housing (victorian, colonial vs ranch, craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Tennessee), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Hot Chicken and BBQ Ribs, but get your taste buds ready for Fried Catfish & Pulled Pork
  • Arkansas housing costs are 36% less expensive than in Tennessee
  • Rent in Arkansas is 21.72% more affordable than in Tennessee
  • Moving from Tennessee to Arkansas will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,000
  • Our top recommended Tennessee to Arkansas movers is B2 Moving

Tennessee to Arkansas Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Tennessee to Arkansas

ConsTennessee iconTennessee
  • High sales tax
  • Heavy traffic in Nashville
  • Limited nature access in cities
  • Humid summers
ProsArkansas iconArkansas
  • Lower sales tax
  • Less traffic congestion
  • Proximity to mountains and parks
  • Milder summers

Arkansas iconArkansas
  • Less nightlife
  • Fewer international cuisines
  • State income tax
  • Different landscape features
Tennessee iconTennessee
  • Vibrant music scene
  • Diverse restaurants in Nashville
  • No personal income tax
  • Scenic Smoky Mountains

Pros of moving from Tennessee to Arkansas

  • Say goodbye to high sales tax and hello to lower sales tax
  • Look forward to moving away from heavy traffic in Nashville and moving to Arkansas with less traffic congestion
  • Swap the limited nature access in the cities of Tennessee for proximity to mountains and parks in Arkansas
  • Get ready for milder summers in Arkansas

Cons of moving from Tennessee to Arkansas

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the vibrant music scene in Tennessee to live with less nightlife in Arkansas
  • You'll lose out on the pro of diverse restaurants in Nashville and have to settle for the con of fewer international cuisines
  • Time to bid farewell to no personal income tax and get used to state income tax in Arkansas
  • Swap the scenic Smoky Mountains for different landscape features

Tennessee vs. Arkansas: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonTennesseeArkansas
Most iconic local food itemHot ChickenFried Catfish
Most popular meat dishBBQ RibsPulled Pork
Most popular street food itemGourmet Hot DogsPo'boys
Most popular vegan foodTofu ScrambleSeitan Wings
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Loveless CafΓ©
  • Prince's Hot Chicken Shack
  • Hattie B's Hot Chicken
  • McClard's Bar-B-Q
  • Sims Bar-B-Que
  • The Pantry
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 Tennessee to Arkansas, you will be trading the iconic Hot Chicken of Tennessee for the equally delicious Fried Catfish of Arkansas. And while the locals in Tennessee rave about their flavorful BBQ Ribs and sumptuous Gourmet Hot Dogs, Arkansas residents know they have tasty Pulled Pork and Po'boys to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Tofu Scramble they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Seitan Wings of Arkansas. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Tennessee eateries like The Loveless CafΓ©, Prince's Hot Chicken Shack, and Hattie B's Hot Chicken. 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 Pantry.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Tennessee and Arkansas

ComparisonTennesseeArkansas
Typical Architecture StyleVictorian, ColonialRanch, 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, Large backyardsEnergy efficiency, Spacious lots
  • The Victorian and Colonial architecture that Tennessee is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Craftsman architecture typical of Arkansas.
  • Compared to Tennessee's real estate listings that commonly reference hardwood floors and large backyards, Arkansas real estate listings often highlight features like energy efficiency and spacious lots.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away as Arkansas is less walkable than Tennessee.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike since Arkansas is less bike-friendly than Tennessee.
  • Arkansas has less of an urban feel than Tennessee.
  • Arkansas housing costs are 36% less expensive than in Tennessee, with a median home price of $203,305 compared to Tennessee’s $317,482.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Arkansas have increased by 41% compared to a 63% increase in Tennessee.
  • Rent in Arkansas is 21.72% more affordable than in Tennessee.

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

ComparisonTennesseeArkansas
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, FloodsTornadoes, Floods
Air QualityGoodGood
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)89Β°F / 69Β°F92Β°F / 73Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)49Β°F / 30Β°F51Β°F / 32Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)50"51"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)5"5"
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Tennessee to Arkansas. Arkansas gets 5% more sunshine days than Tennessee.
  • Arkansas has higher humidity and a similar average UV index compared to Tennessee.
  • Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and floods in Tennessee, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and floods in Arkansas.
  • The average summer high temperature in Arkansas is 3 degrees warmer than in Tennessee.
  • The average winter lows are 2 degrees warmer than they are in Tennessee.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Arkansas as it receives 1 more inch of rain compared to Tennessee.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Tennessee and Arkansas

ComparisonTennesseeArkansas
Avg. Household Income$65,254$55,432
Cost of Living Index88.990.5
State Income Tax05.5
Avg. Property Tax0.680.61
Avg. Sales Tax9.559.53
Top 3 IndustriesHealthcare, Automotive, ChemicalsAgriculture, Manufacturing, Retail
AffluenceModerateModest
PovertyHighHigher
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Arkansas tend to earn about 15% less than in Tennessee
  • The COLI in Arkansas is 2% higher than what you are used to living in Tennessee
  • Bummer... By moving from TN to AR, you'll now have a state income tax of 5.5
  • The affluence in Arkansas is modest compared to moderate affluence in Tennessee
  • The poverty level is higher in Arkansas compared to high poverty in Tennessee
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Tennessee and moderate in Arkansas

Political and Religious Climate in Tennessee vs. Arkansas

ComparisonTennesseeArkansas
Political Make-upLean ConservativeConservative
Local PoliticsMixed; major cities lean liberalMostly conservative, some liberal enclaves
ReligionChristianity predominant, diverse religious communities in urban areasPrimarily Christian, with pockets of religious diversity
  • Tennessee tends to lean Conservative in its political climate
  • Arkansas, on the other hand, is often described as conservative
  • Arkansas' religious environment can be described as primarily Christian with pockets of religious diversity
  • Tennessee's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity with diverse religious communities in urban areas

Education Guide When Moving from Tennessee to Arkansas

ComparisonTennesseeArkansas
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Tennessee
Vanderbilt University
Tennessee State University
University of Arkansas
Arkansas State University
University of Central Arkansas
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsLakeland Elementary School
Walnut Grove Elementary
Percy Priest Elementary
Park Magnet School
Forest Park Elementary
Vandergriff Elementary
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBrentwood Middle School
West End Middle School
Meigs Magnet Middle School
Lisa Academy West Middle School
Elizabeth Richardson Center
LISA Academy North Middle
Top 3 High School SchoolsHume-Fogg Academic Magnet
Central Magnet School
Brentwood High School
Haas Hall Academy
Bentonville High School
Fayetteville High School East
Top 3 private high schoolsBaylor School
McCallie School
The Webb School
Pulaski Academy
Little Rock Christian Academy
Shiloh Christian School
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsUniversity School of Nashville
Harding Academy
Battle Ground Academy
The Anthony School
Little Rock Christian Academy
Shiloh Christian School
Top 3 School DistrictsWilliamson County Schools
Maryville City Schools
Franklin Special School District
Bentonville School District
Fayetteville Public Schools
Rogers School District

How Much Do Tennessee to Arkansas Movers Cost?

Moving 357 miles from Tennessee 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 - $5,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Rice's Professional Moving Service
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,405300 ft3$4.68
1 Bedroom$2,085450 ft3$4.63
2 Bedrooms$3,437750 ft3$4.58
3 Bedrooms$4,9861100 ft3$4.53
4 Bedrooms$7,1731600 ft3$4.48
5+ Bedrooms$7,9791800 ft3$4.43

Top Tennessee to Arkansas Movers

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

TOP PICK
B2 Moving featured image

B2 Moving

Best moving company overall for Tennessee to Arkansas

9.44/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Alpha Moving & Storage LLC featured image

Alpha Moving & Storage LLC

9.41/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Boundless Moving & Storage featured image

Boundless Moving & Storage

9.33/10
ExceptionalView details

Nashville to Arkansas

Memphis to Arkansas

Knoxville to Arkansas

    Chattanooga to Arkansas

      Clarksville to Arkansas