How we chose the best moving companies for your IA to AR move
Our analysts at moveBuddha reviewed rates from 37 Iowa moving companies, highlighting the best performers for satisfaction, reviews, and overall value.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): Reliable timelines, steady communication, and final bills that match the quote.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Addresses issues transparently and fixes them without dragging feet.
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Industry reputation (15%): Positive standing with industry pros and ongoing involvement in trade circles.
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Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
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Service options (10%): Offers a broad menu—packing, storage, specialty item care, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Iowa to Arkansas?
Take a look at the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Iowa to Arkansas.
Costs are organized by home size and the type of moving service you choose.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$1,095 – $3,487 |
$666 – $1,540 |
$418 – $786 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$2,063 – $5,151 |
$1,261 – $2,449 |
$450 – $953 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$3,760 – $7,760 |
$1,569 – $3,102 |
$580 – $1,127 |
*These price ranges represent estimates for a 598-mile move from IA to
AR using moveBuddha data as
of Dec 11, 2025. Our database includes thousands of verified prices from moving companies nationwide
and is refreshed each month to account for seasonal patterns and market trends. Your total may differ
based on volume, selected services, access or parking challenges, fuel costs, and timing. Getting quotes
from multiple movers is the best way to dial in a precise price.
Cost to hire movers from Iowa to Arkansas
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Iowa to Arkansas,
you can expect prices to land between $1,095
and $3,487.
For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from
$2,063 to
$5,151 for the trip from IA
to AR. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between
$3,760 and
$7,760.
Cost of moving containers from Iowa to Arkansas
Moving containers from Iowa to Arkansas
will cost you $666 to
$1,540 for a small move.
For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,261
to $2,449. A four-bedroom move or bigger will
cost $1,569 to
$3,102.
Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies
when moving out of Iowa.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Iowa to Arkansas
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
$418
and $786
to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move,
prices usually range from $450
to $953.
If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from
$580
to $1,127.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from IA to AR
Several factors influence the cost of moving from Iowa to Arkansas. Here’s what can impact your final bill:
-
Size of your move: Relocating a large home comes with higher costs than moving a small apartment or studio.
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Timing of your move: Relocating during peak summer months in Iowa generally comes with a higher price tag.
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DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.
What to know before moving from IA to AR
Making the move from Iowa to Arkansas means weighing what day-to-day life will look like once you settle in.
Cost of living: Iowa vs. Arkansas
A clear look at the cost differences between Iowa and Arkansas helps set expectations. From employment trends to housing costs, taxes, and earnings, this comparison outlines what may matter most for your wallet and lifestyle:
|
Iowa |
Arkansas |
| Average rent |
$914 |
$868 |
| Average home cost |
$220,277 |
$208,078 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$70,571 |
$56,335 |
| Cost of living index |
89 |
90 |
| Unemployment rate |
3.0% |
2.3% |
| Average sales tax |
6.94% |
9.51% |
| State income tax |
4.4% |
2.0% |
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No need to worry about your budget, rental rates stay pretty consistent whether you’re moving from Iowa to Arkansas.
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Home prices in Arkansas are around 6% lower than in Iowa. That means you’ll enjoy more manageable monthly mortgage payments.
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Be sure to look over your budget before making the move, the average income is about 20% lower Arkansas than in Iowa.
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Since living costs in Arkansas and Iowa are pretty similar, you can focus less on your budget and more on finding the right lifestyle and environment for you.
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With an unemployment rate around 23% lower than Iowa, Arkansas offers a healthier job market and a thriving local economy, which is excellent news if you’re considering relocating.
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Sales taxes are 37% higher in Arkansas than in Iowa, meaning you’ll spend more on everyday essentials like clothes, electronics, dining out, and household goods.
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Income taxes in Arkansas are 55% lower than in Iowa. You’ll take home more from every paycheck, giving you more money to save, invest, or spend as you please.
How life is different in Arkansas vs. Iowa
Moving to a new state isn’t just about jobs and housing, it’s about how daily life will feel.
From weather patterns and crime rates to political culture and population size, these factors can shape your overall experience.
Here’s how life in Arkansas and Iowa compares across key lifestyle indicators:
|
Arkansas |
Iowa |
| Population |
3,067,732 |
3,207,004 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 64-36 |
Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high |
91ºF |
84ºF |
| Winter low |
28ºF |
10ºF |
| Annual rain |
50″ |
35″ |
| Annual snow |
4″ |
30″ |
| Crime index |
30.97 |
16.18 |
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Both Arkansas and Iowa have similar population sizes, so you can expect a comparable level of resources and opportunities.
What really shapes your daily life, though, is each state’s unique vibe, economy, and culture.
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Iowa and Arkansas both voted Republican in the last election.
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Summers in Arkansas top out at 91°F, higher than 84°F in Iowa.
Expect more heat, more sunshine, and possibly higher cooling costs.
-
Arkansas has winter lows around 28°F, compared to 10°F in Iowa.
That milder weather makes winters easier, cheaper, and more comfortable to live through.
-
You can expect about 50 inches of annual rainfall in Arkansas versus only 35 inches of rainfall in Iowa.
More annual rainfall means wetter days, greener scenery, and some lifestyle adjustments. With the right mindset, and waterproof gear, you can settle in comfortably.
-
In Arkansas, you’ll get about 4 inches of snow each year, far less than Iowa.
That means moving to Arkansas will bring milder winters with less shoveling and fewer weather headaches.
-
Arkansas has a higher crime rate than Iowa, with crime indexes at 30.97 and 16.18, respectively.
While state averages aren’t everything, it’s a good idea to look into specific neighborhoods, follow local safety updates, and consider how this could impact your day-to-day routine.
Comparing the pros of Iowa vs. Arkansas
Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting.
Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in Arkansas compared to Iowa:
| Pros of living in Iowa |
Pros of living in Arkansas |
| Low cost of living |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| Ample economic opportunity |
Low cost of living |
| High quality of education |
Diverse lifestyle opportunities |
| No traffic |
Fantastic weather |
| Beautiful outdoors |
Natural beauty |
Comparing the cons of living in Iowa vs. Arkansas
Life isn’t always perfect, no matter where you are.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when making the move from Iowa to Arkansas:
| Cons of living in Iowa |
Cons of living in Arkansas |
| Severe weather conditions |
High crime rate |
| Limited recreational opportunities |
Dangerous wildlife |
| High taxes |
Poor education |
| High emphasis on politics |
Pervasive poverty |
| Rustic food |
Strange laws |
Other things to consider for your Iowa to Arkansas move
-
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:
Book your building’s elevator early and check any moving day rules ahead of time.
-
Parking permits:
Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so check your new neighborhood’s rules ahead of time to avoid last-minute hassles.
-
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 the moving company you use has proper licensing before hiring them.
-
State regulator:
You can quickly check a Arkansas moving license and its current status on the state regulator’s official website here.
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Moving permits:
You don’t need a moving permit in Arkansas, but it’s smart to check local parking regulations before moving day.
-
Change of address:
Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. This way, once you’ve picked your moving date, your mail will start forwarding to Arkansas right on time. Get started here.
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Mover’s insurance:
Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide you with basic insurance, called “released value protection,” 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.
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Moving checklist:
Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you ensure you’ve got everything covered.
Things to do in Arkansas
You’ll have plenty to explore in Arkansas! Check out these top spots to visit in your new home state:
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
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Iowa to Arkansas?
Do movers transport your car from Iowa to Arkansas?
What are the benefits of moving from Iowa to Arkansas?
Plenty of movers are choosing to leave Iowa for Arkansas, drawn by advantages like bountiful recreational opportunities and low cost of living that make life in the new state more appealing.
Is it cheaper to live in Iowa or Arkansas?
Living in Iowa usually costs less than in Arkansas.
While the overall cost of living is similar for both states, housing
is much more affordable in Arkansas,
with average rent about 5% less and home prices 6% lower than in Iowa.
Taxes are also
lower in Arkansas, most notably income taxes, which are more than 50% less than those paid by Iowa residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Arkansas?
To live comfortably as a single adult in Arkansas, you should aim to make around $56,231.
On average, expect to spend about $2,422 per month, or $5,241 monthly for a family of four.
Your actual expenses can vary depending on your location within the state. Bigger cities like Little Rock and Fayetteville generally come with higher housing costs than smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Iowa?
Many movers in Iowa publish special-rate programs:
1 offer military-specific savings;
Eligibility and amounts may change, so confirm with each mover before booking.
Helpful moving resources
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For a move from Iowa to Arkansas, budget between $2,063–$5,151 for full-service movers, around
$1,855 if you choose a moving container, and approximately
$701
for a rental truck.
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