($1,556) Cost of Moving From Arkansas to California
Quick answer: Moving from Arkansas to California typically costs between $1,387 and $8,774 and usually takes five–16 days. Your final price depends on the size and timing of your move, and whether you choose professional movers or handle it on your own.
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Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from California to Arkansas guide.
Our track record
The best Arkansas to California full-service movers
Planning a move from Arkansas to California? With endless movers to choose from, finding the right company can be stressful. We've made it easier by researching reviews, comparing pricing, and exploring services, so you can easily find the best interstate moving companies for your big move.
Start your move from Arkansas to California with these top-rated long-distance movers in Arkansas.
- Safeway Moving: Best overall value
- American Van Lines: Most experienced mover
- Allied Van Lines: Best for contents coverage
- Mayzlin Relocation: Best for personalized service
- North American Van Lines: Best customized plans
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
- Fragile packing
- Storage options
- 24/7 shipment tracking
- Quick & efficient
- Accurate quotes
- Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
- Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
- Hands-on customer service
- 24/7 support
- Price-matching policy
- Custom crates for electronics & art
- Satellite shipment tracking
- 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
- Self-packing option
- No deposit required
The best local moving companies in Arkansas
Choosing a reliable local moving company can be a big undertaking with so many choices out there. That's why we've handpicked the best local movers in Arkansas, highlighting companies that are known for their clear pricing, excellent reviews, and extensive services.
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Little Guys Movers : 4.66 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Elite Movers Inc: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.48 out of 5 stars
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving
rating
4.8 / 5
DOT #: 2378173
Years in Business: 15
5207 Mabelvale Pike, North Little Rock, AR 72209 USCollege Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving has been reliably serving the North Little Rock, AR area with local residential moving services since 2011. Compared to other nearby moving companies, College Hunks stands out for its comprehensive offerings that include packing, unpacking, and office moving services, all with no deposit required. Consumer reviews are generally positive, with a remarkable average Google rating of 4.8 across over 1,100 reviews, despite a mixed Yelp average of 3.2 and a BBB rating of C. If you're looking for a credible local mover that also accepts credit cards and offers varied services, College Hunks is a solid choice.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2378173
Alternative Business Names
- College Hunks Moving
- Central Arkansas Moving Guide
Little Guys Movers
rating
4.66 / 5
DOT #: 1931566
Years in Business: 15
461 W. 15th St., Fayetteville, AR 72701Little Guys Movers, established in 2010, offers premier local residential moving services in and around Fayetteville, AR. Often standing out compared to other local movers, they also provide office moving, packing, and unpacking services, ensuring a comprehensive moving experience. With stellar customer feedback, including a 4.9 average rating from 421 Google reviews and a solid 4.0 average from 28 Yelp reviews, they are highly regarded in the community. Additionally, they accept credit cards and require no deposit, making them a convenient and trustworthy option for local relocations.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1931566
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
rating
4.62 / 5
DOT #: 2527384
Years in Business: 12
4125 Crystal Hill Road, North Little Rock, AR 72118 USTwo Men and a Truck, serving North Little Rock, AR, since 2013, specializes in local residential moving services with a solid reputation for reliability. Unlike many competitors, this company also offers packing, unpacking, and labor-only services. Their standout feature is an impressive Google rating of 4.4 based on 246 reviews, coupled with an A+ Better Business Bureau rating, though Yelp reviews are more mixed. Two Men and a Truck is also equipped to handle more challenging moves, such as transporting pianos and safes, without requiring a deposit upfront, setting them apart from other local movers.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 2527384
Alternative Business Names
- EGB, LLC Moving
- EGB, LLC
Elite Movers Inc
rating
4.52 / 5
DOT #: 1345746
Years in Business: 19
6301 Forbing Road, Little Rock, AR 72209 USElite Movers Inc, a reputable local moving company based in Little Rock, AR, has been serving the community since 2006. Specializing in local residential moves, they stand out with their comprehensive range of services, including packing, unpacking, and labor-only options, as well as the ability to safely transport pianos, art, and antiques. With an impressive consumer rating—4.3 stars on Yelp, 4.9 on Google, and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau—Elite Movers Inc is consistently praised for their professionalism and reliability. Unlike many competitors, they accept credit cards and do not require a deposit, adding to the convenience and trustworthiness of their services.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: 1345746
All My Sons Moving & Storage
rating
4.48 / 5
DOT #: 902281
Years in Business: 26
6615 Murray St, Little Rock, AR 72209 USAll My Sons Moving & Storage has been serving the Little Rock, AR area since 2000, specializing in local residential moves. Unlike many local competitors, they offer a wide range of additional services including packing, unpacking, and crating, and are equipped to move pianos, antiques, and safes. While they have received a stellar 4.5 average rating from over 2000 reviews on Google and hold an A rating from the BBB, their Yelp profile shows mixed feedback with a 1.5 average from 56 reviews. This company accepts credit cards but does require a deposit, making them a versatile and experienced choice for local moves with comprehensive service offerings.
Review Profiles
Services Offered
Move Distances
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
Available services
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 902281
Alternative Business Names
- All My Sons Moving & Storage of Little Rock, LLC
The best Arkansas to California moving container companies
Moving containers help you save money without having to do all the heavy lifting. You load and unload your stuff, while the company handles all the driving, picking up your container in Arkansas and dropping it off at your new home in California.
Check out our top picks for the best moving container companies:
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The best Arkansas to California moving truck rentals
Looking to cut costs on your move from Arkansas to California? Consider renting a moving truck. Just keep in mind, you’ll handle all the packing, lifting, and driving on your own.
Take a look at our top choices for moving truck rentals:
We like these rental moving trucks:
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The best Arkansas to California labor-only movers
If you need help moving some or all of your items into a container or rental truck, you can hire labor-only movers. They’ll send over a professional crew the right size for your move and you’ll pay only for the amount of time they work.
Consider one of these top-notch moving labor companies for your move from Arkansas to California:
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How we chose the best moving companies for your AR to CA move
How much does it cost to move from Arkansas to California?
The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from Arkansas to California with different moving services depending on the size of your home.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 Bedroom | $1,556 - $6,367 | $1,412 - $3,319 | $1,334 - $2,492 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,164 - $8,774 | $2,349 - $5,002 | $1,387 - $3,024 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,628 - $13,173 | $3,308 - $6,260 | $1,695 - $3,520 |
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,799 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect your final costs.
Cost to hire movers from Arkansas to California
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Arkansas to California typically costs between $1,556 and $6,367. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $4,164 and $8,774 when moving from AR to CA. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Arkansas to California, you’re looking at costs ranging from $7,628 up to $13,173.
Cost of moving containers from Arkansas to California
Moving containers from Arkansas to California will cost you $1,412 to $3,319 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,349 to $5,002. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $3,308 to $6,260. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Arkansas.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Arkansas to California
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $1,334 and $2,492 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $1,387 to $3,024. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home or making a long-distance move from Arkansas to California, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $1,695 to $3,520.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from AR to CA
Lots of things can impact how much it costs to move from Arkansas to California. Here’s what ultimately affects your final price:
- Move size: Moving a bigger home is pricier than relocating a small studio.
- Time of year: Rates usually go up during the summer, which is peak moving season in Arkansas.
- DIY vs. professional mover: You’ll save money moving yourself, but hiring professionals means less hassle and no heavy lifting for you.
What to know before moving from AR to CA
If you’re moving from Arkansas to California, take a moment to see how your new state compares to your current one.
Cost of living: Arkansas vs. California
Before making your move, it’s helpful to understand how living expenses stack up between Arkansas and California. From housing and income to taxes and unemployment rates, this side-by-side comparison gives you a clearer picture of the financial differences that may impact your budget and lifestyle. Take a look at how the two states compare across key cost-of-living factors:
| Arkansas | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $868 | $1,856 |
| Average home cost | $208,078 | $771,057 |
| Average income (per capita) | $56,335 | $91,905 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90 | 134 |
| Unemployment rate | 2.3% | 5.4% |
| Average Sales Tax | 9.51% | 8.68% |
| State Income Tax | 2.0% | 13.3% |
- Rent is about 114% higher in California than in Arkansas. Keep this in mind when planning your monthly budget.
- Get ready for a higher monthly mortgage. You can expect home prices in California to be about 271% more than what you'll find in Arkansas.
- Good news—you can expect to earn about 63% more in California than in Arkansas. That extra income could mean more savings or investment opportunities each month.
- Moving to California means you’ll be paying 49% more than you did in Arkansas. Make sure to plan your budget so you’re prepared for the increased cost of living.
- Unemployment in California is roughly 135% higher than in Arkansas. That means there are more job seekers, giving employers more options but making it harder for you to land a job.
- Sales tax in California is 9% lower than in Arkansas. If you have a large family or higher spending habits, this lower rate in California can really help cut down your living expenses.
- Income taxes in California are 565% higher than in Arkansas. This means you’ll pay more in state taxes and bring home less pay.
How life is different in California vs. Arkansas
Moving to a new state isn’t just about landing a job or finding a place to live, it’s about how your everyday life will feel. Elements like the climate, safety, local culture, and even the size of the community you call home will all play a role in your overall experience. To help you get a sense of what to expect, here’s a quick comparison of life in California versus Arkansas across some essential lifestyle factors:
| California | Arkansas | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 39,029,342 | 3,067,732 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 59-41 | Republican 64-36 |
| Summer high | 87ºF | 91ºF |
| Winter low | 59ºF | 28ºF |
| Annual rain | 22" | 50" |
| Annual snow | 7" | 4" |
| Crime index | 28.43 | 30.97 |
- California has a population that's about 1,172% larger than Arkansas. A bigger population usually means more advanced infrastructure. Think better healthcare, schools, public transit, and entertainment choices.
- In the most recent presidential election, California voted Democratic, while Arkansas went Republican.
- Summer highs average 87ºF in California and 91ºF in Arkansas. That means your move shouldn’t require you to adjust too much to the summer weather. Still, don’t forget to factor in humidity, unique weather quirks, and energy costs to really know what summer will feel like in your new home.
- In the heart of winter, temperatures in California dip to 59ºF, while Arkansas can get as cold as 28ºF. Relocating to California means enjoying milder winters, which comes with lower expenses and more chances to enjoy the outdoors. If you’d rather soak up the sun than deal with winter storms, this move could be perfect for you.
- You’ll enjoy about 22 inches of rain each year in California, compared to 50 inches in Arkansas. With less rain, you can look forward to more sunshine, plenty of time outdoors, and fewer weather-related interruptions, making this a refreshing climate.
- In California, you can expect about 7 inches of snow each year, while Arkansas sees around 4 inches annually. Since snowfall is pretty comparable in both places, your winter should feel pretty similar.
- California boasts a lower crime rate than Arkansas, with a crime index of 28.43 compared to 30.97. This makes for safer neighborhoods and a stronger sense of community. While crime rate isn’t everything, knowing you're moving somewhere safe is definitely reassuring.
Comparing the pros of Arkansas vs. California
Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in California compared to Arkansas.
| Pros of living in Arkansas | Pros of living in California |
|---|---|
| Bountiful recreational opportunities | Ample economic opportunity |
| Low cost of living | Pleasant weather |
| Diverse lifestyle opportunities | Abundant recreational options |
| Fantastic weather | High quality of life |
| Natural beauty | Fresh and healthy foods |
Comparing the cons of living in Arkansas vs. California
Everything can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live. Here are some things to be aware of when leaving Arkansas for California.
| Cons of living in Arkansas | Cons of living in California |
|---|---|
| High crime rate | High cost of living |
| Dangerous wildlife | Heavy tax burdens |
| Poor education | Natural disasters |
| Pervasive poverty | Terrible traffic |
| Strange laws | Strange laws |
Other things to consider for your Arkansas to California move
- Weather: California has a great Mediterranean climate throughout most of the state. In the Southeast, you may experience colder winters and hotter summers. The northern part of California experiences more rain than the rest of the state. Before your move be sure to check for rain or very hot days.
- HOA rules: Check your neighborhood or community rules ahead of moving day to avoid any last-minute surprises and keep your move running smoothly.
- 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 require a parking permit for moving trucks, so be sure to check your new local rules before moving day to avoid any surprises.
- State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Make sure your moving company has the right licenses before you book with them.
- State regulator: Easily verify a California moving license and its current status on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit in California, but it’s smart to check local parking regulations before moving day.
- Change of address: Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. Once you set your move date, your mail will start forwarding to California right on schedule. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide you with basic insurance, called “released value protection,” for free. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Keep your move stress-free with our handy moving checklist. It’s the easiest way to make sure nothing gets overlooked.
Things to do in California
While you’re in California, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:
Museums in California
- The Getty Center
- USS Midway Museum
- Hess Persson Estates
- California State Railroad Museum
- The Getty Villa
Parks in California
- La Jolla Cove
- Heisler Park
- Sonoma Plaza
- Mount Rubidoux Park
- Redwood Regional Park
Sports Teams in California
- Anaheim Ducks (NHL)
- Los Angeles Kings (NHL)
- San Jose Sharks (NHL)
- Los Angeles Angels (MLB)
- Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB)
Universities in California
- Stanford University
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of Southern California
- University of California, San Diego
