How we chose the best moving companies for your KY to AR move
After studying pricing from 29 Kentucky 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 Kentucky to Arkansas?
Check out the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Kentucky 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 |
$1,091 – $3,236 |
$644 – $1,569 |
$407 – $764 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$2,016 – $5,161 |
$1,139 – $2,348 |
$448 – $916 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$3,699 – $8,143 |
$1,598 – $3,117 |
$541 – $1,128 |
*Estimated costs for a 550-mile move from KY 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 Kentucky to Arkansas
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Kentucky to Arkansas will cost between
$1,091 and
$3,236.
The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from KY to AR will
range from $2,016 to
$5,161, and a large move from Kentucky
to Arkansas will cost from $3,699
to $8,143.
Cost of moving containers from Kentucky to Arkansas
If you’re moving from Kentucky to Arkansas,
expect to pay between $644
and $1,569 for a small load.
For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from
$1,139 up to
$2,348.
Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,598 and
$3,117. Check out our guide on
PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies
for your move from Kentucky.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Kentucky 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
$407 and
$764.
For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $448
and $916. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home?
You’re likely looking at anywhere from $541 up to
$1,128 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from KY to AR
A few key things can affect how much it costs to move from Kentucky 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 Kentucky 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 KY to AR
A relocation from Kentucky to Arkansas comes with changes worth comparing, from lifestyle shifts to daily routines.
Cost of living: Kentucky vs. Arkansas
Comparing expenses in Kentucky 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:
|
Kentucky |
Arkansas |
| Average rent |
$902 |
$868 |
| Average home cost |
$212,088 |
$208,078 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$60,183 |
$56,335 |
| Cost of living index |
93 |
90 |
| Unemployment rate |
5.0% |
2.3% |
| Average sales tax |
6.0% |
9.51% |
| State income tax |
4.0% |
2.0% |
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You don’t have to stress about your housing budget. Rental rates will be about the same if you’re moving from Kentucky to Arkansas.
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Home prices are about the same in Arkansas and Kentucky, so there’s no need to change up your mortgage budget, unless you’re upgrading your living situation.
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Double-check your budget before moving. Average incomes in Arkansas are about 6% lower than in Kentucky.
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Since the cost of living is about the same in Arkansas and Kentucky, 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 54% lower than Kentucky, 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 59% higher in Arkansas than in Kentucky, so you’ll pay extra for everyday purchases like clothes, electronics, dining out, and household items.
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Income taxes are 50% lower in Arkansas than in Kentucky. 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. Kentucky
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 Kentucky across important lifestyle factors:
|
Arkansas |
Kentucky |
| Population |
3,067,732 |
4,526,154 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 64-36 |
Republican 64.6-33.9 |
| Summer high |
91ºF |
87ºF |
| Winter low |
28ºF |
24ºF |
| Annual rain |
50″ |
48″ |
| Annual snow |
4″ |
11″ |
| Crime index |
30.97 |
16.63 |
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With a population about 32% smaller than Kentucky, 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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During the last presidential election, both Kentucky and Arkansas supported the Republican candidate.
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In Arkansas, summer highs hover around 91°F, while Kentucky sits at 87°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 reaches about 28°F and Kentucky gets down to 24°F.
When winter lows are similar, you’ll enjoy a seamless seasonal transition, with familiar heating costs and conditions.
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In Arkansas, you’ll get about 50 inches of rain each year, while Kentucky sees around 48 inches annually.
So, your total yearly rainfall won’t change much with the move. However, keep in mind that when and how that rain falls throughout the seasons can still affect your daily routine.
-
In Arkansas, you can expect about 4 inches of snow each year, much less than the 11 inches you’d deal with in Kentucky.
So, if you’re moving to Arkansas, get ready for milder winters, less shoveling, and fewer extreme winter weather events.
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Arkansas has a higher crime rate than Kentucky with a crime index of 30.97 vs. 16.63.
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 Kentucky vs. Arkansas
Starting over somewhere new is always exciting.
Check out this quick comparison of what life’s like in Arkansas versus Kentucky:
| Pros of living in Kentucky |
Pros of living in Arkansas |
| Low cost of living |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| Abundant outdoor adventures |
Low cost of living |
| Delicious food and drink |
Diverse lifestyle opportunities |
| Horse racing |
Fantastic weather |
| Four season weather |
Natural beauty |
Comparing the cons of living in Kentucky vs. Arkansas
Moving from Kentucky to Arkansas comes with its own set of challenges.
Keep these things in mind to make your move smoother:
| Cons of living in Kentucky |
Cons of living in Arkansas |
| Extreme weather |
High crime rate |
| Low diversity |
Dangerous wildlife |
| Poor air quality |
Poor education |
| Poor infrastructure |
Pervasive poverty |
| Poor education system |
Strange laws |
Other things to consider for your Kentucky 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.
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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.
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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 Kentucky to Arkansas?
Do movers transport your car from Kentucky to Arkansas?
What are the benefits of moving from Kentucky to Arkansas?
The main reasons people are moving from Kentucky 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 Kentucky or Arkansas?
Living in Arkansas usually costs less than in Kentucky.
Housing
is much more affordable in Arkansas,
with average rent about 4% less and home prices 2% lower than in Kentucky.
Taxes are also
lower in Arkansas, most notably income taxes, which are more than 50% less than those paid by Kentucky 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 Kentucky?
Some movers in Kentucky provide budget-friendly deals.
Special pricing for military members is available from 1 moving companies.
Discount details vary, so confirm terms with each mover before booking.
Helpful moving resources
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When moving from Kentucky to Arkansas, expect to spend between
$2,016–$5,161 if using professional movers, about
$1,743 for a moving container, and around
$682
for a rental truck.
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