Best Movers From California to Arkansas (2025 Cost Data)
When moving from California to Arkansas, you’ll likely pay between $3,212–$6,566 with professional movers, roughly
$2,805 for a moving container, and about
$1,728
for a rental truck.
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Let’s get moving.
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$1,261 — $6,566 Top local mover
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$1,261 — $9,963 Top long-distance mover
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$1,079 — $4,927 Top container company
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$1,008 — $2,826 Top truck rental
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$61 — $80/hour Top labor-only mover
Best movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from California to Arkansas
Based on a review of 3,180 movers, moveBuddha found 2,641 (83%) that perform interstate moves. Leveraging our thorough rating methodology, our experts curated the best options to manage your relocation from California to Arkansas.
Best overall value
Estimated cost to move from California to Arkansas
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2 – 3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
|
2 Bedrooms
Nov 08, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Nov 02, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Oct 29, 2025
Studio apartment
Oct 29, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Oct 27, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Oct 13, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Sep 19, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Sep 18, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Sep 09, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Sep 09, 2025
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from California to Arkansas?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,261 – $4,769 | $1,079 – $2,611 | $1,008 – $1,980 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $3,212 – $6,566 | $1,867 – $3,743 | $1,124 – $2,332 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,600 – $9,963 | $2,500 – $4,927 | $1,334 – $2,826 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,261 – $4,769
- 2–3 bedrooms: $3,212 – $6,566
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,600 – $9,963
How much do moving containers cost from California to Arkansas?
- Small move: $1,079 – $2,611
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,867 – $3,743
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,500 – $4,927
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,008 – $1,980
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,124 – $2,332
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,334 – $2,826
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Which option is usually the cheapest?
A rental truck is generally the cheapest option — but you’ll handle the driving and labor yourself.
Why are these prices ranges (not exact quotes)?
These are approximate estimates for a 1,799-mile move from CA to AR using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 17, 2025.
Final costs can vary based on move size, add-on services, parking/access challenges, fuel rates, and scheduling.
How do I get the most accurate price for my exact move?
Compare quotes from multiple movers to dial in a precise number.
What “extra costs” should I plan for after moving from CA to AR?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| California | Arkansas | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,856 | $868 |
| Average home cost | $771,057 | $208,078 |
| Average income (per capita) | $91,905 | $56,335 |
| Cost of living index | 134 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 2.3% |
| Average sales tax | 8.68% | 9.51% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 2.0% |
Will rent be more expensive in Arkansas?
Rent is about 53% lower in Arkansas than in California.
Avg rent: $1,856 vs. $868
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 73% lower in Arkansas than in California.
Avg home value: $771,057 vs. $208,078
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 39% lower in Arkansas than in California.
Avg income (per capita): $91,905 vs. $56,335
Is the overall cost of living higher in Arkansas?
The cost of living is 33% lower in Arkansas than in California.
Cost of living index: 134 vs. 90
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 10% higher in Arkansas than in California.
Avg sales tax: 8.68% vs. 9.51%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 85% lower in Arkansas than in California.
State income tax: 13.3% vs. 2.0%
How is daily life different in Arkansas compared to California?
Everyday life is shaped by factors like climate, safety, politics, and community size.
| Arkansas | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,067,732 | 39,029,342 |
| Political leaning | Republican 64-36 | Democratic 59-41 |
| Summer high | 91ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 28ºF | 59ºF |
| Annual rain | 50″ | 22″ |
| Annual snow | 4″ | 7″ |
| Crime index | 30.97 | 28.43 |
Will Arkansas feel more crowded than California?
Arkansas is about 92% less populous than California — which can mean more space and a slower pace.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, Arkansas voted Republican while California voted Democratic.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (91°F vs. 87°F).
Winter: Arkansas is colder on average (28°F vs. 59°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Arkansas?
Rain: Arkansas gets more rain (50″ vs. 22″).
Snow: Snowfall is similar (4 inches vs. 7 inches).
Is Arkansas safer than California?
Arkansas has a higher crime index than California (30.97 vs. 28.43). Research neighborhoods to find the best fit.
What are some things to do in Arkansas?
Museums in Arkansas
- Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site
- Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
- Ozark Folk Center State Park
- Daisy Airgun Museum
- Mid-America Science Museum
Parks in Arkansas
- Riverfront Park
- Blanchard Springs Recreation Area
- Craighead Forest Park
- Cadron Settlement Park
- Maumelle Park
Sports teams in Arkansas
- Arkansas Razorbacks (NCAA)
- Arkansas State Red Wolves (NCAA)
- Central Arkansas Bears (NCAA)
- Arkansas-Little Rock Trojans (NCAA)
Universities in Arkansas
- University of Arkansas
- University of Arkansas at Little Rock
- Arkansas State University
- University of Central Arkansas
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your California to Arkansas move
- HOA rules: Before moving day, make sure to review any rules your neighborhood or community might have so your move goes off without a hitch.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to reserve your building’s elevator as soon as possible and review any moving day rules well in advance.
- Parking permits: Some cities expect you to have a parking permit for moving trucks, so double-check your new area’s rules before moving day to prevent any last-minute headaches.
- State licensing: Before providing in-state household goods relocation services, Arkansas moving companies must be issued an Intrastate Authority Permit from the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department. Make sure your moving company is fully licensed before you book.
- State regulator: You can verify a Arkansas moving license and its status on the state regulator’s official website.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit in Arkansas, but it’s a good idea to look into local parking rules before your move.
- Change of address: Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: By law, interstate movers have to give you basic insurance at no extra cost. Released Value Protection, offered by movers at no extra cost, is the most economical option, albeit with minimal coverage. The mover’s responsibility is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, the reimbursement would be $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure full coverage of your items’ value, explore alternative options with your moving company or consider third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Make moving day a breeze with our straightforward moving checklist.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Before moving day, make sure to review any rules your neighborhood or community might have so your move goes off without a hitch.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
Make sure to reserve your building’s elevator as soon as possible.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Arkansas?
Some cities expect a parking permit for moving trucks.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in Arkansas?
Before providing in-state household goods relocation services, Arkansas moving companies must be issued an Intrastate Authority Permit from the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a Arkansas moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in Arkansas?
You don’t need a moving permit in Arkansas.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. Get started here.
Interstate movers provide basic insurance free of charge. Released Value Protection, offered by movers at no extra cost, is the most economical option, albeit with minimal coverage. The mover’s responsibility is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, the reimbursement would be $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure full coverage of your items’ value, explore alternative options with your moving company or consider third-party insurance providers.
Some movers in California offer discounts: 7 AAA discounts; 7 military discounts; 7 senior discounts; 2 student discounts; 2 educator discounts; 4 law enforcement discounts.
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary.
Make moving day a breeze with our moving checklist.
Helpful moving resources
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