Best Illinois to Arkansas Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Illinois to Arkansas and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 469 mile IL to AR move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 141 Illinois to Arkansas moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is B2 Moving), how much the move costs (approximately $1,500 - $5,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Illinois compared to Arkansas. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.
Best Illinois to Arkansas Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | B2 Moving | 9.43 | 9.57 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 2 | 606 Movers, Inc. | 9.36 | 9.27 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 3 | Move-tastic! | 9.35 | 9.37 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 4 | A1 Movers, Inc | 9.33 | 9.57 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 5 | Murphy Family Movers | 9.29 | 9.35 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 6 | Elite Moving | 8.86 | 8.67 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Illinois to Arkansas
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 469 miles from Illinois to Arkansas will cost on average $2,180 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom IL to AR move is roughly $5,219. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup in Illinois and dropoff in Arkansas as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve Illinois to Arkansas movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,468 | 300 ft³ | 4.89 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,180 | 450 ft³ | 4.84 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,596 | 750 ft³ | 4.79 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $5,219 | 1100 ft³ | 4.74 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $7,511 | 1600 ft³ | 4.69 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $8,360 | 1800 ft³ | 4.64 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Arkansas to Illinois guide.
Popular Illinois to Arkansas Moving Destinations
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See All Routes >Trusted moving guides helping you move from Illinois to Arkansas
Trusted. Licensed. Insured. Hire the best out of state movers. Moving to another state just got easier.Most Popular Illinois to Arkansas Moving Routes
Compare the 6 Best IL to AR Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
B2 Moving
208 W Hudson Rd
Rogers, AR, 72756
About B2 Moving
B2 Moving is a family-owned company in Rogers that helps home and business owners with small and big moves across Northwest...
Services
- Local Moves
- Long Distance Moves
- Load & Unload Truck Labor Only
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3219041 / 1006995 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 5 |
| Registered Drivers | 7 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 80,000 (2023) |
606 Movers, Inc.
159 N Sangamon St Suite 300
Chicago, IL, 60607
About 606 Movers, Inc.
606 Movers, Inc. has been serving the Chicagoland area for over 12 years. This professional moving company offers quality, eco-friendly moving...
Services
- Residential Movers
- Commercial Movers
- Packing & Unpacking Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3476069 / 1139300 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 4 |
| Registered Drivers | 4 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 1 (2021) |
Move-tastic!
3100 N Tripp Ave
Chicago, IL, 60641
About Move-tastic!
What happens when two passionate triathletes decide to make extra income using their physical abilities? The result is an energetic moving...
Services
- Full Moves
- Truck Loading and Unloading
- Interstate Moving Assistance
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1906350 / 675927 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 15 |
| Registered Drivers | 28 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 90,866 (2023) |
A1 Movers, Inc
315 S Harrison St
Geneva, IL, 60134
About A1 Movers, Inc
A1 Movers, Inc. is a leading moving company in the Aurora, IL area providing residential moving services. This Aurora moving company...
Services
- LOCAL MOVES
- LONG DISTANCE MOVES
- PACKING SERVICES
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3309154 / 1055273 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 6,800 (2024) |
Murphy Family Movers
4N951 Old Lafox Rd Unit C
St. Charles, IL, 60175
About Murphy Family Movers
Murphy Family Movers has over 25 years of combined moving experience in Aurora, Illinois. This Aurora, IL mover promises the highest...
Services
- Local Moving
- Interstate Moving
- Professional Packing
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2965334 / 7122 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 4 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 30,000 (2023) |
Elite Moving
Hot Springs, AR, 71913
About Elite Moving
Elite Moving takes the hassle out of moving with their fully insured services for residential and commercial customers, ensuring your possessions...
Services
- Full service moving
- Disassembly and reassembly of furniture
- Disconnecting and reconnecting appliances
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1345746 / 925743 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 5 |
| Registered Drivers | 5 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 120,000 (2023) |
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Pros and Cons of Moving from Illinois to Arkansas
Moving from one state to another can be daunting but also exciting. This comparison aims to weigh the differences in living between Illinois and Arkansas to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation. Knowing what to expect can help you prepare for a smoother transition.
Illinois- High taxes
- Colder winters
- Population density
- Higher cost of living
- Urban congestion
Arkansas- Lower taxes
- Milder winters
- More open spaces
- Lower cost of living
- Less traffic
Arkansas- Smaller cities
- Fewer attractions
- Public transport limited
- Narrower job market
- Less historic sites
Illinois- Vibrant cities
- Cultural attractions
- Extensive public transport
- Diverse job market
- Rich history
Moving from Illinois to Arkansas offers a chance to experience a different pace of life. In Arkansas, you'll enjoy the beauty of natural spaces like the Ozarks, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Little Rock's River Market District and Bentonville's thriving arts scene, highlighted by the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, offer cultural experiences that rival the bustling life you’re used to in Illinois cities like Chicago. Although the job market might appear narrower at first glance, companies such as Walmart and Tyson Foods provide unique opportunities not found elsewhere. Additionally, Arkansas's lower cost of living means you can enjoy spacious homes and dine at renowned restaurants like Little Rock's South on Main without breaking the bank.
Illinois vs. Arkansas Food Guide
As an integral part of understanding what it's like to live in a new place, food plays a significant role in the local culture. This guide features a comparison of the local cuisine between Illinois & Arkansas to help you get a taste of the food scene in your new home.
| Illinois | Arkansas | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Deep Dish Pizza | Fried Catfish |
| Most popular meat dish | Italian Beef | Smoked Pork Ribs |
| Most popular street food item | Chicago-style Hot Dog | Pulled Pork Sandwich |
| Most popular vegan food | Thali Plate | BBQ Jackfruit Sandwich |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10) | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10) | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene (out of 10) | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly (out of 10) | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Illinois, Chicago reigns supreme when it comes to its food scene, with deep-dish pizza and the Chicago-style hot dog standing out as iconic dishes. Restaurants like Lou Malnati's and Alinea showcase the range from traditional to high-end cuisine. Moving to Arkansas, you'll find a shift towards Southern comfort foods, with fried catfish and smoked pork ribs topping the list. The food scene here celebrates local flavors with establishments like McClard's BBQ bringing traditional recipes to the forefront. Whether in downtown Little Rock or the historic neighborhoods of Fayetteville, you're sure to delight in the culinary exploration awaiting you in Arkansas.
Ready to start your move?
Illinois vs. Arkansas Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning a move, evaluating real estate between Illinois and Arkansas becomes crucial. This comparison will give you a clear sense of what to expect in terms of housing costs, architectural styles, and lifestyle metrics, ensuring you make an informed decision tailored to your preferences.
| Comparison | Illinois | Arkansas |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Chicago School, Prairie Style | Craftsman, Ranch |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Proximity to Chicago, lakefronts | Natural landscapes, spacious lots |
Once you dive into the housing market, notable distinctions between Illinois and Arkansas emerge. Illinois generally presents a higher cost of living, reflecting in its median home prices and rent. The architecture in Illinois, particularly with its historic Chicago School and Prairie styles, contrasts sharply with Arkansas's Craftsman and Ranch styles that emphasize simplicity and a connection to nature. A significant emphasis on urban lifestyle and accessibility is more apparent in Illinois with its higher walkability and bikeability scores, indicative of its urban environments like Chicago. Conversely, Arkansas offers a more laid-back lifestyle, with its real estate listings frequently boasting of natural landscapes and more spacious lots, perfect for those who prioritize space and proximity to nature.
Illinois vs. Arkansas Weather Considerations
When planning a move from one state to another, understanding how the weather will change is crucial. This comparison will highlight the differences between Illinois’ and Arkansas’ climate, helping you adjust to your new environment more easily.
Illinois
Arkansas
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Illinois
Arkansas
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Illinois
Arkansas
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Illinois
Arkansas
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Illinois | Arkansas |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good to Moderate | Good to Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Tornadoes, Snowstorms | Tornadoes, Floods |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
In moving from Illinois to Arkansas, you'll notice a warmer climate, with more days of sunshine and higher summer temperatures in Arkansas. Winters are notably milder, seeing less snowfall but slightly more rainfall throughout the year. This can influence not just your daily comfort but also your activities and preparedness for seasonal changes. The increase in annual humidity and UV index in Arkansas means paying closer attention to hydration and sun protection. Adjusting to these differences will help you enjoy the diverse natural beauty and outdoor activities Arkansas has to offer.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Illinois to Arkansas
When planning your move from Illinois to Arkansas, understanding the financial landscape is key. This includes differences in cost of living, taxes, and income between Illinois and Arkansas, which can significantly impact your budget and lifestyle. Let’s compare these states to help you prepare.
| Comparison | Illinois | Arkansas |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $76,708 | $55,432 |
| Cost of Living Index | 94.25 | 90.5 |
| State Income Tax | 4.95 | 2.0-5.9 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 2.16 | 0.63 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 8.8 | 9.47 |
| Top 3 Industries | Manufacturing, Services, Agriculture | Agriculture, Manufacturing, Services |
| Affluence | Moderate | Lower |
| Poverty | Lower | Higher |
| Homelessness | Moderate | Lower |
While the average household income in Arkansas is notably lower than in Illinois, the significantly lower cost of living index and property taxes in Arkansas can balance the scales. However, the sales tax is slightly higher in Arkansas, which might affect your day-to-day living expenses. The top industries in both states are quite similar, focusing on agriculture, manufacturing, and services, although their order of significance varies. Understanding these financial nuances will help you make a more informed decision and prepare accordingly for your move.
Illinois vs. Arkansas Political & Religious Comparison
When considering a move from Illinois to Arkansas, understanding the comparison of the politics between Illinois & Arkansas in addition to the religious landscape of both states can provide a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of what to expect in your new home. This overview aims to equip you with a sense of the community you're about to join.
| Illinois | Arkansas | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Lean Democratic | Lean Republican |
| Local Politics | Chicago's strong Democratic influence | Little Rock's mix of Democratic and Republican |
| Religion | Diverse, with no single affiliation dominating | Heavily Christian, with a strong Baptist presence |
The political and religious landscape in both Illinois and Arkansas presents a contrast that could influence your daily life and community interactions. Illinois, with its lean towards Democratic politics, especially in urban areas like Chicago, contrasts with Arkansas's stronger Republican tilt. This shift might affect your experience, depending on your own political views. Religiously, while Illinois offers a broad tapestry of beliefs with no single domination, Arkansas has a notable Christian, particularly Baptist, majority. This could impact the types of community events, schools, and gathering spots that are prominent in your new locale.
Education Guide When Moving from Illinois to Arkansas
Moving states can be a transformative experience, especially when it involves the education of your children. To make this transition smoother, it's vital to compare schooling options between Illinois and Arkansas , ensuring you make informed decisions for your family's educational needs.
| Illinois | Arkansas |
|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) University of Illinois Northwestern University University of ChicagoUniversity of Arkansas Arkansas State University University of Arkansas at Little Rock | |
Top 3 Elementary Schools Lincoln Elementary Evanston; South Loop Elementary School Chicago; Edison Regional Gifted Center ChicagoBaker Interdistrict Elementary School Little Rock; Forest Park Elementary Little Rock; Vandergriff Elementary School Fayetteville | |
Top 3 Middle Schools Skinner North Classical School Chicago; Kennedy Junior High Lisle; Daniel Wright Junior High School LincolnshireLisa Academy West Middle Charter Little Rock; LISA Academy North Middle North Little Rock; McNair Middle School Fayetteville | |
Top 3 High Schools Walter Payton College Prep Chicago; Northside College Preparatory High School Chicago; Adlai E. Stevenson High School LincolnshireHaas Hall Academy Fayetteville; Bentonville High School Bentonville; Central High School Little Rock | |
Top 3 private high schools University of Chicago Laboratory Schools Chicago; Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy Aurora; Francis W. Parker School ChicagoPulaski Academy Little Rock; Little Rock Christian Academy Little Rock; Shiloh Christian School Springdale | |
Top 3 private K-12 schools Latin School of Chicago Chicago; Francis W. Parker School Chicago; North Shore Country Day WinnetkaThe Anthony School Little Rock; Subiaco Academy Subiaco; Episcopal Collegiate School Little Rock | |
Top 3 School Districts New Trier Township High School District 203 Northfield; Naperville Community School District 203 Naperville; Community High School District 128 Vernon HillsBentonville School District Bentonville; Fayetteville School District Fayetteville; Rogers School District Rogers | |
When considering a move from Illinois to Arkansas, it's important to understand the landscape of educational opportunities in both states. Illinois and Arkansas offer a diverse array of top-tier public and private schools. For example, Illinois hosts the University of Chicago, one of the top universities nationwide, while Arkansas prides itself on having a robust state university system with the University of Arkansas at the forefront. The top-ranked Lincoln Elementary in Evanston, Illinois, and Baker Interdistrict Elementary in Little Rock, Arkansas, reflect the high quality of education available in both states for younger students. Moving states does not mean compromising on education; rather, it's an opportunity to find the best fit for your family's unique needs and aspirations.
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