Moving to Arkansas: costs, checklist and what to know
Arkansas at a glance for movers: South region · largest city Little Rock · capital Little Rock · Central time.
Quick facts for moving to Arkansas
- Income tax: Arkansas taxes wages. Rates and brackets change, so check the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration for the current year.
- Sales tax: Arkansas's statewide sales tax rate is 6.5%. Local taxes can add more, depending on the address.
- Driver's license: New residents should get a Arkansas driver's license within 30 days, according to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (revenue offices).
- Moving cost example: a 2-bedroom move from Dallas to Little Rock (about 350 road miles) runs roughly $600–$1,180 with a rental truck or $1,960–$4,560 with full-service movers, by our estimate.
What to know before moving to Arkansas
- Licenses and vehicle registration are both handled at state revenue offices run by the Department of Finance and Administration.
- Northwest Arkansas (Bentonville, Rogers, Springdale and Fayetteville) has grown quickly as a job center, so rentals there can go fast.
- Spring is tornado season across much of the state.
Main cities and metros include Little Rock, Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Bentonville. Arkansas borders Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas and Oklahoma.
How much does it cost to move to Arkansas?
Estimated costs to move a typical 2-bedroom home (4,000–6,000 lbs) to Little Rock, the largest city in Arkansas. Distances are approximate road miles (straight-line distance × 1.2). Packing service, car shipping and storage are not included.
| Moving from | ≈ Miles | Rent a truck | Full-service movers |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York City | 1,290 | $1,870–$3,550 | $3,460–$7,940 |
| Los Angeles | 1,770 | $2,520–$4,760 | $4,230–$9,670 |
| Chicago | 660 | $1,070–$2,070 | $2,460–$5,680 |
| Dallas | 350 | $600–$1,180 | $1,960–$4,560 |
| Atlanta | 550 | $960–$1,860 | $2,280–$5,280 |
These ranges come from Foyeric's moving cost model, not from quotes or a survey of Arkansas moves. Your real price depends on the mover, the season, your exact addresses and how much you ship. Tap a city to open it in the moving cost calculator and adjust it for your home.
Best time to move to Arkansas
Fall is the most reliable. Spring brings severe storms, and July and August are hot and humid.
Across the U.S., summer is the busiest and priciest moving season. Mid-month and mid-week dates are usually easier to book.
Arkansas new-resident checklist
For the full timeline, from booking movers to unpacking, use our moving day countdown checklist.
Moving to Arkansas: FAQ
How much does it cost to move to Arkansas?
It depends mostly on distance and how much you own. By our model, moving a 2-bedroom home about 350 miles from Dallas to Little Rock costs roughly $600–$1,180 if you rent a truck or $1,960–$4,560 with full-service movers. These are planning ranges, not quotes.
Does Arkansas have a state income tax?
Yes. Arkansas taxes wages. Rates and brackets change, so check the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration for the current year.
What is the sales tax in Arkansas?
Arkansas's statewide sales tax rate is 6.5%. Local taxes can add more, depending on the address.
How long do I have to get a Arkansas driver's license after moving?
30 days, according to the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (revenue offices). Bring proof of identity, your Social Security number and proof of your new address, and check the agency's site for the exact list.
When is the best time to move to Arkansas?
Fall is the most reliable. Spring brings severe storms, and July and August are hot and humid.
Sources and accuracy
Tax and license facts on this page should be confirmed with the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration and the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (revenue offices), which publish the current rules. Rules change, and some cities and counties add their own taxes. Cost figures are model estimates explained on our methodology page. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.