Movers

Washington to Arkansas Moving Guide

Updated June 3, 2025

Hero background image

Planning a 2,204 mile interstate move from Washington to Arkansas? This moving guide will help you compare living in Washington vs Arkansas across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs lower housing costs), food & health (like Apple vs Fried Catfish), real estate & housing (modern and craftsman vs traditional and ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Washington), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Apple and Salmon, but get your taste buds ready for Fried Catfish & Barbecue Ribs
  • Arkansas housing costs are 66% less expensive than they are in Washington
  • Rent in Arkansas is 33.25% more affordable than in Washington
  • Moving from Washington to Arkansas will cost on average between $2,500 - $9,000
  • Our top recommended Washington to Arkansas movers is Seattle Moves & More

Washington to Arkansas Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Washington to Arkansas

ConsWashington iconWashington
  • High cost of living
  • Heavy traffic
  • Cloudy weather
  • Limited space
ProsArkansas iconArkansas
  • Lower housing costs
  • Less congested roads
  • Sunnier days
  • More open land

Arkansas iconArkansas
  • Fewer tech jobs
  • Fewer events
  • Limited seafood
  • Mixed school ratings
Washington iconWashington
  • Thriving tech scene
  • Rich cultural events
  • Local seafood
  • Top-notch education

Pros of moving from Washington to Arkansas

  • Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to lower housing costs
  • Look forward to moving away from heavy traffic and moving to Arkansas with less congested roads
  • Swap the cloudy weather of Washington for sunnier days in Arkansas
  • Get ready for more open land in Arkansas

Cons of moving from Washington to Arkansas

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the thriving tech scene in Washington to live with fewer tech jobs in Arkansas
  • You'll lose out on the pro of rich cultural events and have to settle for the con of fewer events
  • Time to bid farewell to local seafood and get used to limited seafood in Arkansas
  • Swap top-notch education for mixed school ratings

Washington vs. Arkansas: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonWashingtonArkansas
Most iconic local food itemAppleFried Catfish
Most popular meat dishSalmonBarbecue Ribs
Most popular street food itemHot DogsTamales
Most popular vegan foodQuinoa SaladBlack Bean Burger
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Canlis
  • The Herb Farm
  • Salumi
  • McClard's BBQ
  • Southern Food Co.
  • 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 Washington to Arkansas, you will be trading the iconic Apple of Washington for the equally delicious Fried Catfish of Arkansas. And while the locals in Washington rave about their flavorful Salmon and sumptuous Hot Dogs, Arkansas residents know they have tasty Barbecue Ribs and Tamales to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Quinoa Salad they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Black Bean Burger of Arkansas. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Washington eateries like Canlis, The Herb Farm, and Salumi. After the boxes are unpacked in Arkansas, don't wait too long before making your way to Arkansas' acclaimed eateries like McClard's BBQ, Southern Food Co., and Doe's Eat Place.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Washington and Arkansas

ComparisonWashingtonArkansas
Typical Architecture StyleModern and CraftsmanTraditional and 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 listingEnergy-efficient appliances, Open floor planSpacious backyards, Proximity to nature
  • The Modern and Craftsman architecture that Washington is known for will be replaced with the Traditional and Ranch architecture typical of Arkansas.
  • Compared to Washington's real estate listings that commonly reference energy-efficient appliances and open floor plans, Arkansas real estate listings often highlight features like spacious backyards and proximity to nature.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Arkansas is less walkable than Washington.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Arkansas is less bike-friendly than Washington.
  • Arkansas has less of an urban feel than Washington.
  • Arkansas housing costs are 66% less expensive than they are in Washington, with a median home price of $203,305 compared to Washington’s $591,148.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Arkansas have increased by 41% compared to a 49% increase in Washington.
  • Rent in Arkansas is 33.25% more affordable than in Washington.

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

ComparisonWashingtonArkansas
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 DisastersEarthquakes, VolcanoesTornados, Floods
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)75Β°F / 55Β°F92Β°F / 73Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)47Β°F / 36Β°F51Β°F / 32Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)3850
Annual Snowfall (Inches)55
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Washington to Arkansas. Arkansas gets 43% more sunshine days than Washington.
  • Arkansas has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Washington.
  • Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and volcanoes in Washington, 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 17 degrees warmer than in Washington.
  • The average winter lows in Arkansas are 4 degrees colder than they are in Washington.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Arkansas. Arkansas receives 12 more inches of rain compared to Washington.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Washington and Arkansas

ComparisonWashingtonArkansas
Avg. Household Income$91,306$55,432
Cost of Living Index104.190.5
State Income Tax0-9.90-6.6
Avg. Property Tax1.030.61
Avg. Sales Tax8.79.51
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Aerospace, AgricultureAgriculture, Manufacturing, Retail
AffluenceProsperousModest
PovertyModerateHigher
HomelessnessNotableLess visible
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Arkansas tend to earn about 39% less than in Washington
  • The COLI in Arkansas is 13% lower than what you are used to in Washington
  • The state income tax in AR is 0-6.6 compared to 0-9.9 in WA
  • The affluence in Arkansas is modest compared to prosperous in Washington
  • The poverty level is higher in Arkansas compared to moderate in Washington
  • In terms of homelessness, it is notable in Washington and less visible in Arkansas

Political and Religious Climate in Washington vs. Arkansas

ComparisonWashingtonArkansas
Political Make-upLiberal-leaningConservative-leaning
Local PoliticsEmphasis on environmental policiesFocus on agricultural and rural interests
ReligionLess religiously affiliatedHighly religious, predominantly Christian
  • Washington tends to lean Liberal-leaning in its political climate
  • Arkansas, on the other hand, is often described as conservative-leaning
  • Arkansas' religious environment can be described as highly religious and predominantly Christian
  • Washington's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as less religiously affiliated

Education Guide When Moving from Washington to Arkansas

ComparisonWashingtonArkansas
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Washington
Seattle; Washington State University
Pullman; Western Washington University
Bellingham
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville; Arkansas State University
Jonesboro; University of Central Arkansas
Conway
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsCascadia Elementary
Seattle; Medina Elementary
Medina; Challenger Elementary
Issaquah
Vandergriff Elementary
Fayetteville; Forest Park Elementary
Little Rock; Baker Interdistrict Elementary
Little Rock
Top 3 Middle SchoolsInternational School
Bellevue; Odle Middle School
Bellevue; Lakeside Middle School
Seattle
Lisa Academy North Middle
Sherwood; Fulbright Junior High
Bentonville; Woodland Junior High
Fayetteville
Top 3 High School SchoolsInternational School
Bellevue; Newport High School
Bellevue; Tesla STEM High School
Redmond
Haas Hall Academy
Bentonville; Little Rock Central High School
Little Rock; Bentonville High School
Bentonville
Top 3 private high schoolsThe Overlake School
Redmond; Lakeside School
Seattle; The Bush School
Seattle
Pulaski Academy
Little Rock; Shiloh Christian School
Springdale; Little Rock Christian Academy
Little Rock
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Bear Creek School
Redmond; Eastside Preparatory School
Kirkland; Seattle Academy
Seattle
Subiaco Academy
Subiaco; Episcopal Collegiate School
Little Rock; Mount St. Mary Academy
Little Rock
Top 3 School DistrictsBellevue School District
Bellevue; Mercer Island School District
Mercer Island; Lake Washington School District
Redmond
Bentonville School District
Bentonville; Fayetteville School District
Fayetteville; Rogers School District
Rogers

How Much Do Washington to Arkansas Movers Cost?

Moving 2,204 miles from Washington to Arkansas will typically cost between $3,500 and $9,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,500 - $9,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-4 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: John Volken Academy Movers
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,452300 ft3$8.17
1 Bedroom$3,655450 ft3$8.12
2 Bedrooms$6,055750 ft3$8.07
3 Bedrooms$8,8261100 ft3$8.02
4 Bedrooms$12,7571600 ft3$7.97
5+ Bedrooms$14,2621800 ft3$7.92

Top Washington to Arkansas Movers

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

TOP PICK
Seattle Moves & More

Seattle Moves & More

Best moving company overall for Washington to Arkansas

9.55/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
B2 Moving featured image

B2 Moving

9.44/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
John Volken Academy Movers featured image

John Volken Academy Movers

9.34/10
ExceptionalView details
Top Washington to Arkansas Routes

Seattle to Arkansas

Spokane to Arkansas

    Tacoma to Arkansas

      Vancouver to Arkansas