$1,346 Movers From Chicago, IL to Arkansas

Quick answer: The cost to move from Chicago, IL to Arkansas averages from $575 to $6,241 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a professional Chicago moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from Arkansas to Chicago, IL guide.

Moving from Chicago, IL to Arkansas resources

In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move to Arkansas. But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:

Moving 603 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

The best Chicago to Arkansas moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company from Chicago to Arkansas is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don’t worry, you won’t have to filter through all of them. We’ve done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Chicago to Arkansas.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
Get A Quote
(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
Get A Quote
(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
Get A Quote
(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

How much does it cost to move from Chicago, IL to Arkansas?

Here are average prices of hire a moving company, rent a moving container, or rent a moving truck when moving from Chicago to Arkansas:

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,346 - $4,012 $785 - $1,954 $543 - $974
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,411 - $6,241 $1,549 - $2,956 $575 - $1,133
4+ bedrooms $4,199 - $8,972 $1,930 - $3,598 $718 - $1,397
get a quote

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 603 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from Chicago, IL to Arkansas will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to hiring the pros.

How much does it cost to hire movers from Chicago, IL to Arkansas?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Arkansas will cost between $1,346 to $4,012. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Chicago to AR will range from $2,411 to $6,241, and a large move from Chicago to Arkansas will cost from $4,199 to $8,972.

How much are moving containers like PODS from Chicago, IL to Arkansas?

Moving pods from Chicago to Arkansas will cost you $785 to $1,954. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,549 to $2,956. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,930 to $3,598. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving containers for your move from Chicago to Arkansas.

How much is a moving truck from Chicago, IL to Arkansas?

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 $543 to $974. A larger move will cost $575 to $1,133, and a four-bedroom or bigger move from Chicago to Arkansas costs from $718 to $1,397.

Is moving from Chicago, IL to Arkansas a good idea?

If you’re moving to Arkansas from Chicago, IL, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs Arkansas

Chicago, IL Arkansas
Average rent cost $1,595 $760
Average home cost $306,098 $197,411
Average income (per capita) $65,601 $56,335
Unemployment rate 9.0% 3.1%
State income tax 4.95% 2.0%
  • Rent is about 80% less expensive in Arkansas than in Chicago.
  • Home prices are about 43.6% lower in Arkansas than in Chicago.
  • The average income is about 11.8% lower in Arkansas than in Chicago.
  • Arkansas has a lower unemployment rate than Chicago by about 128.3%.
  • Income taxes are 59.60% lower in Arkansas than in Chicago.

How is life different in Chicago, IL from Arkansas?

Chicago, IL Arkansas
Population 2,746,388 3,045,637
Political leaning Democrat 74-24 Republican 62-35
Summer high 84ºF 91ºF
Winter low 19ºF 28ºF
Annual rain 38" 50"
Annual snow 35" 4"
Crime index 35.19 33.55
  • The population of Arkansas is approximately 11% greater than the population of Chicago.
  • In the last presidential election, Arkansas voted Republican and Chicago voted Democrat.
  • The average high in the summertime in Arkansas is 91ºF and in Chicago, it’s 84ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Arkansas reaches the temperature of 28ºF and Chicago gets down to 19ºF.
  • You can expect about 50 inches of annual rainfall in Arkansas vs 38 inches of rainfall in Chicago.
  • In Arkansas, it snows about 4 inches annually vs 35 inches of snow in Chicago.
  • Arkansas has a lower crime rate than Chicago with a crime index of 35.19 vs 33.55.

Comparing the pros of Chicago, IL vs. Arkansas:

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Chicago vs Arkansas side-by-side.

Pros of living in Chicago, IL Pros of living in Arkansas
Bountiful arts and recreational activities Bountiful recreational opportunities
Delicious food Low cost of living
Abundant entertainment Diverse lifestyle opportunities
Intense sports culture Fantastic weather
Ample economic opportunity Natural beauty

Comparing the cons of living in Chicago, IL vs. Arkansas:

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Chicago for Arkansas.

Cons of living in Chicago, IL Cons of living in Arkansas
High crime rate High crime rate
Temperamental weather Dangerous wildlife
Terrible traffic Poor education
High taxes Pervasive poverty
Pollution Strange laws

Considerations for moving to Arkansas

  • Weather: Arkansas has hot, humid summers and slightly drier, mild to cool winters. Arkansas is known for extreme weather and frequent storms. A typical year brings thunderstorms, tornadoes, hail, snow, and ice storms. Between both the Great Plains and the Gulf States, Arkansas receives around 60 days of thunderstorms. Movers should check their local weather station to make sure they are not being caught in any of these storms..
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • 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 a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Arkansas moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Arkansas does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forward to Arkansas. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Looking for local Chicago movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
Moovers Chicago Inc Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
5 overall rating
5359 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL, 60625
(773) 474-2691
Mid-West Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.9 overall rating
1255 Tonne Rd, Elk Grove Village, IL, 60007
(847) 593-7201

Visit our best movers in Chicago page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

What to do in Arkansas?

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these 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
  • Museum Of Discovery
  • Ka Do Ha Indian Village
  • Esse Purse Museum & Store
  • The Walmart Museum
  • Heifer Village (Heifer International)
  • Gangster Museum of America
  • Museum of Native American History
  • Old State House Museum
  • Mark Martin Museum

Parks in Arkansas

  • Riverfront Park
  • Blanchard Springs Recreation Area
  • Craighead Forest Park
  • Cadron Settlement Park
  • Maumelle Park
  • Wilson Park
  • Basin Spring Park
  • Siloam Springs Kayak Park
  • Two Rivers Park
  • Burns Park
  • Allsopp Park
  • Lake Ouachita State Park
  • Murray 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
  • Hendrix College
  • Harding University
  • Arkansas Tech University
  • John Brown University
  • Henderson State University
  • Ouachita Baptist University
  • Southern Arkansas University
  • University of Arkansas at Monticello
  • University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
  • University of the Ozarks

Moving from Chicago to Arkansas FAQs

Why are people moving from Chicago to Arkansas?

Many people are moving to Arkansas because of bountiful recreational opportunities and low cost of living. On the other hand, people are moving away from Chicago because of high crime rate and temperamental weather.

Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies from Chicago?

Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Chicago.

Related articles to your move

Learn more about Arkansas