How we chose the best moving companies for your AR to TN move
moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 24 Arkansas movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): Shows up on time, communicates clearly, and delivers within the estimate.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Takes responsibility and follows through with fair solutions when problems occur.
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Industry reputation (15%): Earns respect across the industry and participates in conferences and organizations.
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Online reputation (15%): Up-to-date site content and prompt, professional engagement online.
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Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Arkansas to Tennessee?
Check out the table below for average moving cost estimates from Arkansas
to Tennessee, broken down by home size and type of moving service.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$1,019 – $3,019 |
$608 – $1,468 |
$344 – $605 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$1,673 – $4,501 |
$1,112 – $2,102 |
$343 – $747 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$2,547 – $6,605 |
$1,428 – $2,649 |
$442 – $816 |
*The figures shown are approximate for a 356-mile relocation from AR to
TN, derived from moveBuddha
pricing data current as of Dec 11, 2025. moveBuddha aggregates thousands of verified
quotes from movers across the country and updates them monthly to capture seasonal and market
fluctuations. Final pricing will depend on move size, optional services, parking/access issues,
fuel rates, and schedule. We suggest requesting estimates from multiple movers for the best accuracy.
Cost to hire movers from Arkansas to Tennessee
When moving a studio or one-bedroom from Arkansas to Tennessee, you’ll likely pay between
$1,019
and $3,019.
If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between
$1,673 and $4,501
for the same journey (AR to TN).
Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $2,547
to $6,605.
Cost of moving containers from Arkansas to Tennessee
When you’re heading from Arkansas to Tennessee, and you’re only moving a few items,
you can expect to spend between $608 and
$1,468. For a two- or three-bedroom place,
prices usually fall between $1,112 and
$2,102. If you’re packing up a large home with four or
more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,428
to $2,649. Want more details? Check out our
complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies
to make your move from Arkansas easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Arkansas to Tennessee
A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around
$344
to $605.
A two to three-bedroom move will cost $343
to $747, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms
from Arkansas to Tennessee costs around
$442 to
$816.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from AR to TN
Lots of things can impact how much it costs to move from Arkansas to Tennessee. Here’s what ultimately affects your final price:
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How big your haul is: More rooms and belongings mean higher costs compared to moving light with only a few items.
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The season you move: Costs spike during the busy summer season in Arkansas when demand for movers is highest.
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DIY vs. calling in the experts: A DIY move is easier on the wallet, but professionals make the process far less stressful.
What to know before moving from AR to TN
If you’re moving to Tennessee from Arkansas, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: Arkansas vs. Tennessee
Understanding how costs compare between Arkansas and Tennessee can make planning easier. Taxes, housing, job markets, and income all shape your budget, and this breakdown highlights the biggest differences:
|
Arkansas |
Tennessee |
| Average rent |
$868 |
$1,047 |
| Average home cost |
$208,078 |
$319,208 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$56,335 |
$64,035 |
| Cost of living index |
90 |
90 |
| Unemployment rate |
2.3% |
3.3% |
| Average sales tax |
9.51% |
9.55% |
| State income tax |
2.0% |
0.0% |
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Rent is about 21% higher in Tennessee than in Arkansas. Keep this in mind when planning your monthly budget.
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Prepare for a higher monthly mortgage. Home prices in Tennessee are typically about 53% higher than in Arkansas.
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You’re likely to earn about 14% more in Tennessee than in Arkansas. That extra income could mean more savings or new investment opportunities once you move.
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With the cost of living being about the same in Tennessee and Arkansas, you can shift your focus from finances to quality of life and lifestyle fit.
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The unemployment rate in Tennessee is about 43% higher than in Arkansas. With more people out of work, you’ll find a bigger talent pool for employers and tougher competition when job hunting.
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No need to stress about sales tax. Rates are similar in Arkansas and Tennessee, making your move a bit less expensive.
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Tennessee has no state income tax, so you’ll get to keep more of your paycheck compared to Arkansas. This can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
How life is different in Tennessee vs. Arkansas
The impact of moving goes far beyond finding a job or home. Everyday life is shaped by factors like climate, safety, politics, and community size. Take a look at how Tennessee and Arkansas line up on these lifestyle indicators.
|
Tennessee |
Arkansas |
| Population |
7,126,489 |
3,067,732 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 64-36 |
Republican 64-36 |
| Summer high |
88ºF |
91ºF |
| Winter low |
27ºF |
28ºF |
| Annual rain |
53″ |
50″ |
| Annual snow |
5″ |
4″ |
| Crime index |
29.24 |
30.97 |
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The population of Tennessee is approximately 132% greater than the population of Arkansas.
With more people often comes better-developed infrastructure, including healthcare, education, public transportation, and entertainment opportunities.
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In the most recent presidential race, both Arkansas and Tennessee leaned Republican.
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In Tennessee, summer highs are around 88°F, close to 91°F in Arkansas.
With such little difference, your summer experience won’t change much.
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Winter temperatures usually fall to 27°F in Tennessee and 28°F in Arkansas.
With such similar lows, you won’t face much adjustment beyond local weather quirks.
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In Tennessee, you’ll see about 53 inches of rain each year — nearly identical to the 50 inches you’re used to in Arkansas.
While the overall rainfall stays pretty consistent, the timing and pattern of those showers might shake up your daily routine.
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In Tennessee, it snows about 5 inches annually while Arkansas gets 4 inches.
With snowfall being similar, you’re likely to experience a smooth transition with no major surprises.
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Tennessee is a safer choice than Arkansas, boasting a lower crime index of 29.24 compared to 30.97.
You can look forward to safer neighborhoods, a stronger sense of community, and greater peace of mind.
Comparing the pros of Arkansas vs. Tennessee
New beginnings can be really exciting.
Here’s a quick comparison between life in Tennessee and Arkansas:
| Pros of living in Arkansas |
Pros of living in Tennessee |
| Bountiful recreational opportunities |
Abundant recreational opportunities |
| Low cost of living |
No income taxes |
| Diverse lifestyle opportunities |
Legendary music scene |
| Fantastic weather |
Natural beauty and parks galore |
| Natural beauty |
Delicious southern comfort food |
Comparing the cons of living in Arkansas vs. Tennessee
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 Tennessee:
| Cons of living in Arkansas |
Cons of living in Tennessee |
| High crime rate |
Tendency for severe weather |
| Dangerous wildlife |
Oppressive summer heat and humidity |
| Poor education |
Abundant presence of nuclear power plants |
| Pervasive poverty |
Traffic congestion |
| Strange laws |
High urban crime rates |
Other things to consider for your Arkansas to Tennessee 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:
Although a local license is not required in Tennessee, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Make sure your moving company is fully licensed before you book.
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State regulator:
You can verify a Tennessee moving license and its status on the state regulator’s official website.
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Moving permits:
You don’t need a moving permit in Tennessee, but it’s a good idea to look into local parking rules before your move.
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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 Tennessee right on schedule. Get started here.
-
Mover’s insurance:
By law, interstate movers have to give you basic insurance known as “released value protection” at no extra cost. When it comes to movers’ insurance in Tennessee, most moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra charge. This basic coverage extends to 60 cents per pound per item. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Additionally, exploring third-party insurance providers is a viable choice for tailored plans. Prioritize understanding coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Tennessee.
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Moving checklist:
Make moving day a breeze with our straightforward moving checklist, which can help you stay on track and make sure you don’t miss any steps.
Things to do in Tennessee
While you’re in Tennessee, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:
Museums in Tennessee
- Titanic Museum Attraction
- Graceland
- Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
- Lotz House Museum
- National Civil Rights Museum – Lorraine Motel
Parks in Tennessee
- Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium
- Bicentennial Greenbelt Park
- Chimneys Picnic Area
- Winged Deer Park
- Steele Creek Park
Sports teams in Tennessee
- Memphis Grizzlies Basketball (NBA)
- Nashville Predators Hockey (NHL)
- Nashville SC (MLS)
- Tennessee TItans (NFL)
Universities in Tennessee
- Vanderbilt University
- The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
- The University of Tennessee at Martin
- The University of Memphis
- Middle Tennessee State University
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Arkansas to Tennessee?
Do movers transport your car from Arkansas to Tennessee?
What are the benefits of moving from Arkansas to Tennessee?
An increasing number of people are relocating from Arkansas to Tennessee to enjoy all the great benefits Tennessee provides, such as abundant recreational opportunities and no income taxes.
Is it cheaper to live in Arkansas or Tennessee?
Living in Arkansas usually costs less than in Tennessee.
While the overall cost of living is similar for both states, housing
is much more affordable in Arkansas,
with average rent about 17% less and home prices 35% lower than in Tennessee.
However, taxes are
lower in Tennessee, most notably income taxes, which are more than 100% less than those paid by Arkansas residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Tennessee?
Thinking of moving to Tennessee on your own? You’ll want to earn around $64,632 to cover your expenses comfortably.
If you’re living solo, expect to spend about $2,636 per month, or around $6,342 if you have a family of four.
Where you choose to live makes a big difference, too. Bigger cities like Nashville and Memphis tend to have higher housing costs compared to smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Arkansas?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals.
Military members can find special pricing from 1 companies.
Seniors are eligible for savings with 1 movers.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Helpful moving resources
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When moving from Arkansas to Tennessee, you’ll likely pay between $1,673–$4,501 with professional movers, roughly
$1,607 for a moving container, and about
$545
for a rental truck.
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