How we chose the best moving companies for your IL to AR move
After studying pricing from 100 Illinois movers, the moveBuddha team identified the highest-rated options by weighing customer feedback, reviews, and affordability.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): Consistent punctuality, clear updates, and costs that align with the estimate.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Admits faults and prioritizes fair, practical fixes for customers.
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Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
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Online reputation (15%): Keeps an accurate site and responds promptly and professionally to inquiries.
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Service options (10%): Covers everything from full packing to storage, special handling, and rush delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Illinois to Arkansas?
Check out the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Illinois to Arkansas.
You’ll find prices organized by home size and type of moving service, making it easy to compare your options.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$1,048 – $2,774 |
$633 – $1,581 |
$395 – $693 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$1,782 – $4,735 |
$1,087 – $2,290 |
$412 – $815 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$3,300 – $6,991 |
$1,581 – $2,964 |
$489 – $1,029 |
*Estimated costs for a 469-mile move from IL to
AR are shown here, calculated from moveBuddha’s
dataset as of Dec 11, 2025. We compile thousands of verified price points from movers nationwide
and update them monthly to reflect seasonal variability and market dynamics. Actual charges can vary
with shipment size, extra services, parking/access limitations, fuel prices, and scheduling.
For the most accurate pricing, compare quotes from several moving companies.
Cost to hire movers from Illinois to Arkansas
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Illinois to Arkansas will cost between
$1,048 and
$2,774.
The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from IL to AR will
range from $1,782 to
$4,735, and a large move from Illinois
to Arkansas will cost from $3,300
to $6,991.
Cost of moving containers from Illinois to Arkansas
If you’re moving from Illinois to Arkansas,
expect to pay between $633
and $1,581 for a small load.
For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from
$1,087 up to
$2,290.
Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,581 and
$2,964. Check out our guide on
PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies
for your move from Illinois.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Illinois to Arkansas
Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading,
unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between
$395 and
$693.
For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $412
and $815. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home?
You’re likely looking at anywhere from $489 up to
$1,029 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from IL to AR
A few key things can affect how much it costs to move from Illinois to Arkansas. Here’s what might influence your total price:
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Everything you’re taking with you: More stuff to transport means a bigger bill compared to a lighter load.
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Time of year: The peak moving season in Illinois is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
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DIY or full-service help: Handling the move yourself costs less, but hiring pros saves you the heavy lifting.
What to know before moving from IL to AR
A relocation from Illinois to Arkansas comes with changes worth comparing, from lifestyle shifts to daily routines.
Cost of living: Illinois vs. Arkansas
Comparing expenses in Illinois and Arkansas shows how much everyday living can vary. This side-by-side view of income, unemployment, taxes, and housing sheds light on where your money may go further:
|
Illinois |
Arkansas |
| Average rent |
$1,179 |
$868 |
| Average home cost |
$249,224 |
$208,078 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$78,433 |
$56,335 |
| Cost of living index |
90 |
90 |
| Unemployment rate |
5.3% |
2.3% |
| Average sales tax |
8.82% |
9.51% |
| State income tax |
4.95% |
2.0% |
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Expect to pay around 26% less in rent in Arkansas than in Illinois, which means more savings in your wallet every month.
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Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 17% lower in Arkansas than in Illinois.
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Double-check your budget before moving. Average incomes in Arkansas are about 28% lower than in Illinois.
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Since the cost of living is about the same in Arkansas and Illinois, you don’t have to stress about your budget. Just focus on choosing the lifestyle and environment that suit you best.
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With an unemployment rate about 57% lower than Illinois, Arkansas boasts a stronger job market and a vibrant economy, which is encouraging if you’re thinking about making a move.
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Sales taxes are 8% higher in Arkansas than in Illinois, so you’ll pay extra for everyday purchases like clothes, electronics, dining out, and household items.
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Income taxes are 60% lower in Arkansas than in Illinois. Lower income tax rates mean less money withheld from your paycheck, giving you more flexibility to save, invest, or cover everyday expenses.
How life is different in Arkansas vs. Illinois
Relocating to a new state is about more than finding a job or a place to live.
It’s about how your day-to-day life will feel. Things like weather, safety, local culture,
and the size of your community will all play a part in your overall experience. Here’s a side-by-side look
at how life in Arkansas stacks up against Illinois across important lifestyle factors:
|
Arkansas |
Illinois |
| Population |
3,067,732 |
12,549,689 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 64-36 |
Democratic 55-45 |
| Summer high |
91ºF |
86ºF |
| Winter low |
28ºF |
17ºF |
| Annual rain |
50″ |
40″ |
| Annual snow |
4″ |
22″ |
| Crime index |
30.97 |
19.7 |
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With a population about 76% smaller than Illinois, Arkansas offers you more room to breathe, lower costs, and a laid-back lifestyle.
Just keep in mind, you may need to get used to fewer amenities and a job market that moves at a slower pace.
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In the most recent presidential election, Arkansas leaned Republican, while Illinois went with Democratic.
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In Arkansas, summer highs hover around 91°F, while Illinois sits at 86°F.
Since they’re nearly the same, you shouldn’t notice a big difference, though seasonal patterns could still vary.
-
During the coldest part of the year, Arkansas bottoms out around 28°F, compared to 17°F in Illinois.
A move to Arkansas with milder winters offers easier living, lower bills, and more outdoor freedom.
-
Expect about 50 inches of rain each year in Arkansas, a noticeable difference from the 40 inches you’re used to in Illinois.
With a little preparation and good waterproof gear, you can adjust and enjoy your new home in no time.
-
In Arkansas, you can expect about 4 inches of snow each year, much less than the 22 inches you’d deal with in Illinois.
So, if you’re moving to Arkansas, get ready for milder winters, less shoveling, and fewer extreme winter weather events.
-
Arkansas has a higher crime rate than Illinois with a crime index of 30.97 vs. 19.7.
A higher state-level crime rate shouldn’t be a dealbreaker, but it should prompt you to dig deeper into local safety conditions, choose your neighborhood wisely, and consider the impact on your lifestyle.
Comparing the pros of Illinois vs. Arkansas
Starting over somewhere new is always exciting.
Check out this quick comparison of what life’s like in Arkansas versus Illinois:
| Pros of living in Illinois |
Pros of living in Arkansas |
| Home of chicago |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| Ample economic opportunity |
Low cost of living |
| Bountiful recreational opportunities |
Diverse lifestyle opportunities |
| Delicious food |
Fantastic weather |
| World-class sports culture |
Natural beauty |
Comparing the cons of living in Illinois vs. Arkansas
Moving from Illinois to Arkansas comes with its own set of challenges.
Keep these things in mind to make your move smoother:
| Cons of living in Illinois |
Cons of living in Arkansas |
| Harsh winter weather |
High crime rate |
| Bad traffic |
Dangerous wildlife |
| High crime rate |
Poor education |
| Dull landscape |
Pervasive poverty |
| Strict laws |
Strange laws |
Other things to consider for your Illinois to Arkansas move
-
HOA rules:
Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to ensure everything goes off without a hitch and you don’t run into any unexpected issues.
-
Elevator reservation:
Reserve your building’s elevator in advance and review any moving day guidelines beforehand.
-
Parking permits:
Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles. Find out about your new local rules ahead of time.
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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. Verify that your moving company is properly licensed before booking their services.
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State regulator:
Easily verify a Arkansas moving license and its current status on the official state regulator’s website, here.
-
Moving permits:
You won’t need a moving permit in Arkansas, but it’s a good idea to review local parking rules ahead of your move.
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Change of address:
Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. That way, once you’ve locked in your moving date, your mail will start forwarding to Arkansas without a hitch. Get started here.
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Mover’s insurance:
Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance, also called “released value protection,” free of charge to all moving customers. 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:
Nothing beats peace of mind. Use our moving checklist to make sure you haven’t missed a thing.
Things to do in Arkansas
Get ready to discover all that Arkansas has to offer. Here are some must-see places to check out in your new 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 Illinois to Arkansas?
Do movers transport your car from Illinois to Arkansas?
What are the benefits of moving from Illinois to Arkansas?
The main reasons people are moving from Illinois to Arkansas are the amazing upsides of living in Arkansas, such as bountiful recreational opportunities and low cost of living.
Is it cheaper to live in Illinois or Arkansas?
Living in Arkansas usually costs less than in Illinois.
While the overall cost of living is similar for both states, housing
is much more affordable in Arkansas,
with average rent about 26% less and home prices 17% lower than in Illinois.
Taxes are also
lower in Arkansas, most notably income taxes, which are more than 60% less than those paid by Illinois residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Arkansas?
You should make approximately $56,231 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Arkansas.
The cost of living in Arkansas is about $2,422 per month for an individual and $5,241 for a family of four.
Exact expenses will vary depending on your city. Larger cities like Little Rock and Fayetteville tend to be more expensive than smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Illinois?
Some movers in Illinois provide budget-friendly deals.
In Illinois, 1 movers provide AAA member discounts.
Special pricing for military members is available from 1 moving companies.
Discounts for seniors are offered by 2 movers.
Discount details vary, so confirm terms with each mover before booking.
Helpful moving resources
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When moving from Illinois to Arkansas, expect to spend between
$1,782–$4,735 if using professional movers, about
$1,688 for a moving container, and around
$613
for a rental truck.
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