Moving from Alexandria, VA to Little Rock, AR
Relocating 1021 mi from Alexandria to Little Rock is a 18h 42m drive through 3 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1021 mi · 18h 42m by car · AR → TN → VA
Distance & route
| Route through | AR → TN → VA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 81, US 11 |
| Major cities en route | Memphis, Murfreesboro, Knoxville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Alexandria | Little Rock | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.884 | 89.364 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 106.7 | 74.635 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 104.847 | 93.577 | 100.0 |
| Services | 151.134 | 68.295 | 100.0 |
Expect about 17.9% lower overall cost of living — BEA RPP 2024 has Little Rock at 89.364 vs Alexandria at 108.884.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 17.9% lower home prices — ZHVI goes from $676,205 to $216,519 moving to Little Rock.
YoY change: Alexandria -0.2%, Little Rock +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Alexandria | Little Rock |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 59°F | 62°F |
| January avg low | 30°F | 31°F |
| July avg high | 90°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | 13.7" | 3.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 41.8" | 50.4" |
Annual average temperatures in Alexandria (59.3°F) and Little Rock (61.7°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Little Rock averages 3.8 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: WASHINGTON REAGAN AP, VA US, LITTLE ROCK AP ADAMS FLD, AR US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Alexandria | Little Rock |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 156,788 | 202,739 |
| Median household income | $113,638 | $60,583 |
| Median age | 37.5 | 36.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 31.4% | 25% |
| Avg household size | 2.08 | 2.33 |
Expect median household income to fall 17.9% — $113,638 → $60,583 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Little Rock MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 43,980 | $37,850 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 33,840 | $37,820 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 31,830 | $31,870 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 30,330 | $67,930 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 29,950 | $27,320 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Virginia and Arkansas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arkansas's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Little Rock average 92°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Little Rock averages 50.4 in of annual precipitation — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- Tornado risk peaks April through May — identify a safe room on day one.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Arkansas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Little Rock, AR from Alexandria, VA?
The driving distance is 1021 mi and the route typically takes 18h 42m via I 40 and I 81. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Alexandria to Little Rock?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1021 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Little Rock compare to Alexandria?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $42,100 in the Little Rock MSA vs $65,110 in the Alexandria MSA, on total employment of 345,890 and 3,092,070 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Alexandria vs Little Rock?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,583 in Little Rock vs $113,638 in Alexandria — a 46.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Little Rock compared to Alexandria?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $216,519 in Little Rock vs $676,205 in Alexandria — a 68.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Little Rock more expensive than Alexandria?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Little Rock is 17.9% lower than Alexandria (89.364 vs 108.884, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Alexandria and Little Rock?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 61.7°F in Little Rock vs 59.3°F in Alexandria (2.4°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 3.8 in vs 13.7 in. Annual precipitation: 50.4 in vs 41.8 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Alexandria.
City profiles: Alexandria, VA · Little Rock, AR.