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Moving from Texas to Arkansas

Arkansas home values sit at $183,000 compared to $283,800 in Texas - a gap that draws households from Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, and San Antonio toward Little Rock, Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, and Fort Smith every year. Northwest Arkansas pulls professionals chasing careers anchored by major regional employers, while retirees and families are drawn to the Ozarks, river access, and a quieter pace that Texas metros rarely offer. The 435-mile overland move runs full-service from $2,400 for a studio or one-bedroom up to $5,750 for a four-plus-bedroom home. Star Van Lines is a USDOT-licensed interstate carrier (USDOT #4176875, MC #1607491) - call us at (855) 822-2722 to get a quote.

★ 3.9 Trustpilot (139 reviews)Google: 4.5 / 5Facebook: 4.75 / 5

Calculate moving costs from Texas to Arkansas in 1 minute

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435 milesFrom $2,400USDOT #4176875MC #1607491240+ Reviews
Move sizeAverage cost
Studio / 1 Bedroom$2,400
2-3 Bedrooms$3,850
4+ Bedrooms$5,750
Average cost
$2,400
$3,850
$5,750

What's Included in Your Move

🔧

Furniture Disassembly & Reassembly

Our team carefully disassembles large furniture for safe transport and reassembles it at your new home.

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Professional Packing Materials

We provide shrink wrap, bubble wrap, furniture blankets, and protective padding - packing materials excluding boxes are included in your quote.

🛡️

Furniture Protection

Every piece of furniture is wrapped in blankets and shrink wrap to prevent scratches, dents, and damage during transit.

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Secure Loading & Transport

Items are loaded by trained movers into clean, climate-appropriate trucks with securing mechanisms to prevent shifting.

📍

Room-by-Room Placement

At your destination, we place each item in the room you designate - no pile of boxes in the hallway.

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Post-Move Cleanup

We remove all packing debris and leftover materials, leaving your new home clean and move-in ready.

Living in Arkansas vs Texas: the numbers

Beyond the logistics, a Texas-to-Arkansas move changes your tax jurisdiction, cost of living, climate, and daily routine. Arkansas adds a graduated state income tax that tops out at 3.7% but offsets it with lower housing costs and untaxed Social Security benefits. The comparison tables on this page break down housing, taxes, weather, and demographics so you can plan realistically.

Cost of Living

BenefitsTexasArkansas
Median home value
Median home value$283,800
Median home value$183,000
Median monthly rent
Median monthly rent$1,403
Median monthly rent$860
Median household income
Median household income$78,476
Median household income$56,575
State income tax
State income taxNone
State income tax2.0%-3.7%
Average sales tax
Average sales tax8.2%
Average sales tax9.46%
Cost of living index (US=100)
Cost of living index (US=100)97.1
Cost of living index (US=100)86.5

Climate

BenefitsTexasArkansas
Average summer high
Average summer high94 F
Average summer high92 F
Average winter low
Average winter low38 F
Average winter low31 F
Annual rainfall
Annual rainfall28 in
Annual rainfall50 in
Annual snowfall
Annual snowfall2 in
Annual snowfall5 in
Days of sunshine
Days of sunshine235
Days of sunshine217

Population & Demographics

BenefitsTexasArkansas
Population
Population31,290,831
Population3,096,604
Population density
Population density119.8/sq mi
Population density59.0/sq mi
Median age
Median age35.6
Median age38.7
Major metros
Major metrosHouston, Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin
Major metrosLittle Rock, Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, Fort Smith, Jonesboro

Sources: compiled from public records (US Census, Tax Foundation, BEA, NOAA, and state agencies). Figures are current estimates; confirm specifics with official sources before relying on them.

Arkansas carries a COL index of 86.5 against Texas's 97.1, and the housing gap is the clearest driver - median home values in Arkansas sit at $183,000 versus $283,800 in Texas. The income-tax picture shifts too. Texas collects no state income tax, while Arkansas applies a graduated rate topping out at 3.7%, though Social Security income is exempt and there is no estate or inheritance tax.

Texas summers push to a high of 94F with only 28 inches of annual rain and 235 sunny days. Arkansas runs slightly cooler at a 92F summer high but receives 50 inches of rain annually and logs 217 sunny days - a noticeably wetter and cloudier pattern year-round. Winter lows also dip further in Arkansas, averaging 31F compared to 38F in Texas, and the state sees more snow and a higher risk of ice storms. That shift catches a lot of Texas transplants off guard in their first winter.

Texas is one of the largest states in the country by population, with 31.29 million residents spread across major metros including Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Austin at a density of 119.8 people per square mile. Arkansas, by contrast, is home to 3.1 million residents at a density of 59.0 per square mile, with a median age of 38.7 versus Texas's 35.6. The move trades a high-density, younger-skewing urban environment for a smaller, more spread-out state anchored by Little Rock, Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, Fort Smith, and Jonesboro.

First week in Arkansas: what to do after you arrive

After moving to Arkansas, several tasks carry firm state deadlines. Arkansas requires new residents to obtain a driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency - the same 30-day window applies to vehicle registration. No safety inspection or emissions test is required. A prioritized checklist of first-week tasks follows below.

  1. Update your driver's license

    Arkansas requires new residents to apply at the Arkansas Office of Motor Vehicle within 30 days. Bring proof of residency and your out-of-state license. See www.dfa.arkansas.gov/motor-vehicle.

  2. Register your vehicle

    within 30 days at the Arkansas Office of Motor Vehicle.

  3. Transfer your auto insurance

    contact your insurer to re-rate your policy for Arkansas. Minimum coverage requirements may differ.

  4. Register to vote

    Arkansas offers voter registration: Online, DMV, mail.

  5. Update homeowner's or renter's insurance

    Arkansas's regional risks - Tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, flooding, occasional ice storms - may change your coverage needs.

  6. Forward your mail

    USPS Change of Address (free online at usps.com).

  7. Transfer medical records

    contact current providers before your move and find a new primary care physician in Arkansas.

  8. Update school records

    if you have children, request transcripts from the previous school district and check Arkansas enrollment requirements for transfer students.

Why Star Van Lines for interstate moves

Star Van Lines has been a licensed interstate carrier since 2016, operating under USDOT #4176875 and MC #1607491. We handle full-service relocations across all 50 states, including the Texas-to-Arkansas corridor, with transparent pricing written in advance, a single move coordinator, and our own trained crews - not brokered subcontractors.

Licensed and insured interstate carrier

You can verify Star Van Lines on the FMCSA SAFER website at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov by searching USDOT #4176875. Federal compliance means proper cargo liability coverage, weight documentation, and valuation options on every interstate shipment. That public record is the baseline check any household should run before handing belongings to an interstate mover - it takes under a minute and confirms we meet federal operating standards.

Verify our operating authority on the FMCSA SAFER website: safer.fmcsa.dot.gov (USDOT #4176875, MC #1607491).

Single coordinator, single crew

One coordinator manages your move from the initial quote through final delivery. That means a single point of contact for every question, schedule change, and access concern. Our own trained crews handle the work; we do not hand your shipment off to a third-party carrier or broker it out to subcontractors. Whether you are leaving Houston or Dallas-Fort Worth and landing in Little Rock or Fayetteville, the same team stays accountable throughout.

Real pricing, written in advance

Every estimate we provide is itemized and delivered in writing before you book. Binding and not-to-exceed options are both available, so you know your ceiling before the truck arrives. Shuttle fees, long-carry charges, stair fees, and elevator time are disclosed upfront - there is no surprise invoice waiting after your belongings reach Arkansas. What the written estimate says is what you pay.

Trusted by 240+ reviewers

Star Van Lines has earned 240+ reviews across Trustpilot, Google, and Facebook, averaging 4.0 on Trustpilot, 4.5 on Google, and 4.75 on Facebook. Those ratings reflect households that booked a move, received a crew, and reported back - aggregate counts only, spanning multiple corridors and home sizes. We let the numbers speak without editorializing.

How Your Texas to Arkansas Move Works

1

Free Quote & Consultation

Call us at (855) 822-2722 or fill out our online form. We will assess your inventory and provide a transparent, no-obligation estimate for your Texas to Arkansas move.

2

Custom Moving Plan

Your dedicated coordinator creates a tailored plan based on your timeline, budget, and specific requirements. Every detail is documented - no surprises on moving day.

3

Professional Packing & Loading

Our trained crew arrives on schedule, carefully packing and loading your belongings using professional materials and techniques to ensure safe transport.

4

Secure Interstate Transport

Your items travel in a clean, secure truck from Texas to Arkansas across 435 miles. You receive updates throughout the journey and can reach us anytime.

5

Delivery & Setup

We unload and place every item room by room in your new home. Furniture is reassembled, packing materials are removed, and a walkthrough ensures your complete satisfaction.

FAQ

Questions? Look here

Can’t find an answer? Call us
(855) 822-2722 or email

How much does it cost to move from Texas to Arkansas?

A full-service move from Texas to Arkansas typically costs between $2,400 for a studio or one-bedroom and $5,750 for a four-bedroom home or larger. The 435-mile overland distance is a primary cost factor, but shipment weight, home size, and the time of year you move all influence the final price. Studio and one-bedroom moves start at $2,400, two-to-three-bedroom homes run around $3,850, and four-plus-bedroom households reach $5,750. Call (855) 822-2722 for an itemized estimate based on your specific inventory.

How long does a move from Texas to Arkansas take?

Transit time on the Texas-to-Arkansas corridor depends on carrier availability, the size of your shipment, and the delivery window you select at booking. Your move coordinator will confirm a scheduled delivery window once your inventory and pickup date are finalized. For questions about timing and scheduling options, call (855) 822-2722 or request a quote online and a coordinator will walk you through the process.

When do I need to update my driver's license after moving to Arkansas?

Arkansas requires new residents to obtain an Arkansas driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency. You will need to visit the Arkansas Office of Motor Vehicle (www.dfa.arkansas.gov/motor-vehicle) with proof of identity, residency, and your current out-of-state license. Vehicle registration must also be completed within 30 days of establishing residency. Arkansas does not require a safety inspection or emissions test when registering a vehicle transferred from another state.

What hidden fees should I watch for on an interstate move?

The most common additional charges on an interstate move include shuttle fees when a full-size truck cannot access your street, long-carry charges when the distance from the truck to your door exceeds 75 feet, stair fees for multi-floor homes without elevator access, and elevator waiting-time fees in apartment buildings. These charges are not hidden when you work with a reputable mover - all applicable fees are disclosed in your written estimate before you confirm the booking. Reviewing your estimate line by line before signing protects you from surprises on moving day.

What is the difference between binding and not-to-exceed estimates?

A binding estimate locks your total cost based on the inventory list you provide, meaning you pay that agreed amount even if the actual shipment weight turns out to be different. A not-to-exceed estimate caps your price at the quoted figure but can come in lower if your shipment weighs less than projected. Star Van Lines offers both binding and not-to-exceed estimate options so you can choose the pricing structure that fits your situation. Ask your coordinator to explain both options in detail before you commit to a move date.

What insurance or valuation coverage do interstate movers provide?

Federal law requires interstate movers to offer two levels of valuation coverage on every shipment. Released Value Protection is included at no additional charge and covers items at $0.60 per pound per item, which is minimal protection for high-value goods. Full Value Protection is a paid upgrade that holds the mover responsible for the repair, replacement, or cash settlement of any lost or damaged item at current market value. Star Van Lines is fully insured and operates under USDOT #4176875, and you can review our coverage options with your coordinator before your move date.

How do I verify that Star Van Lines is a legitimate interstate mover?

Search USDOT number 4176875 on the FMCSA SAFER website (safer.fmcsa.dot.gov) to confirm our operating authority, insurance status, and safety record. The SAFER database also verifies our MC number 1607491, which is required for any company legally authorized to transport household goods across state lines. Any legitimate interstate mover should be able to provide both a USDOT number and an MC number that match active federal records. If a mover cannot supply these identifiers, that is a serious warning sign.

When is the best time to move from Texas to Arkansas?

Peak moving demand runs from May through September, when warmer weather and school-year transitions drive higher booking volumes - and higher prices. The lower-demand window runs from October through April, when scheduling tends to be more flexible and rates are generally more competitive. For the Texas-to-Arkansas corridor specifically, spring and fall are popular choices because they help movers avoid both the intense summer heat and the risk of winter ice storms. Booking 6 to 8 weeks in advance is recommended regardless of season, and your coordinator will confirm a delivery window at the time of booking.

How will my taxes change after moving from Texas to Arkansas?

Texas has no state income tax, while Arkansas imposes a graduated state income tax that tops out at 3.7% on earned income. On the other hand, Arkansas does not tax Social Security benefits and has no estate or inheritance tax, which can be meaningful for retirees and families planning long-term finances. In the year you move, you will likely need to file partial-year returns in both Texas and Arkansas to account for income earned in each state. Consult a tax professional about your specific situation, especially regarding property taxes, which vary significantly by county within Arkansas.

How do I transfer my vehicle registration when moving to Arkansas?

Arkansas requires new residents to register their vehicle within 30 days of establishing residency. You will need your current title, proof of insurance that meets Arkansas requirements, and proof of your new Arkansas residency. Arkansas does not require a safety inspection or emissions test as part of the registration process, which simplifies the transfer compared to some other states. Visit the Arkansas Office of Motor Vehicle at www.dfa.arkansas.gov/motor-vehicle for the complete list of required documents and current fee schedules.

What happens if my new home in Arkansas is not ready when my belongings arrive?

Star Van Lines can hold your shipment in storage at one of our 43 warehouse locations nationwide if your closing date or lease start date does not align with your delivery window. Storage-in-transit is a common solution for interstate moves where timing between the origin and destination does not line up perfectly. When you book your move, discuss your expected timeline with your coordinator so they can build the necessary flexibility into your delivery window. There is no need to rush a closing or sign a lease early just to accommodate your moving schedule.

Moving Services for Your Texas to Arkansas Relocation

Long Distance Moving

Full-service interstate moving with professional packing, secure transport, and room-by-room delivery. Licensed and insured for moves across all 50 states.

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Packing & Unpacking

Professional packing using 15 types of materials. We handle everything from fragile glassware to heavy furniture, with a 100% safety guarantee when we pack.

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Storage Solutions

Climate-controlled, 24/7 monitored warehouse storage on individual pallets. Flexible short-term and long-term options with barcoding for every item.

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Special Item Moving

Expert handling of pianos, pool tables, safes, hot tubs, and other heavy or fragile items. Custom crating and specialized equipment available.

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Ready to Start Your Texas to Arkansas Move?

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USDOT #4176875 | MC #1607491 | Licensed & Insured

What Our Customers Say

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139 reviews
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34 reviews
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