Moving from Cedar Rapids, IA to Little Rock, AR
The drive from Cedar Rapids, IA to Little Rock, AR runs 622 mi — about 11h 59m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
622 mi · 11h 59m by car · AR → MO → IA
Distance & route
| Route through | AR → MO → IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 61, US 67, US 167 |
| Major cities en route | St Louis |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cedar Rapids | Little Rock | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.963 | 89.364 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.981 | 74.635 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 93.577 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.447 | 68.295 | 100.0 |
Little Rock and Cedar Rapids are close on the overall BEA RPP (88.963 vs 89.364); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 0.5% higher in Little Rock than Cedar Rapids as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Cedar Rapids +2.8%, Little Rock +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Cedar Rapids | Little Rock |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 62°F |
| January avg low | 11°F | 31°F |
| July avg high | 83°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | — | 3.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 35.9" | 50.4" |
Climate warms by 13.4°F on the annual average — 48.3°F → 61.7°F.
Expect 3.8 in of snow annually at the destination — manageable with basic winter gear per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US, LITTLE ROCK AP ADAMS FLD, AR US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cedar Rapids | Little Rock |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,859 | 202,739 |
| Median household income | $67,859 | $60,583 |
| Median age | 36.9 | 36.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.2% | 25% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.33 |
Income steps down 0.5%: $67,859 in Cedar Rapids vs $60,583 in Little Rock.
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 Iowa 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.
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.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (13.4°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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
When is the best time to move from Cedar Rapids 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 622 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Little Rock, AR from Cedar Rapids, IA?
The driving distance is 622 mi and the route typically takes 11h 59m via US 61 and US 67. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Cedar Rapids vs Little Rock?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,583 in Little Rock vs $67,859 in Cedar Rapids — a 10.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Little Rock compared to Cedar Rapids?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $216,519 in Little Rock vs $204,112 in Cedar Rapids — a 6.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Little Rock compare to Cedar Rapids?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $42,100 in the Little Rock MSA vs $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA, on total employment of 345,890 and 140,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Little Rock more expensive than Cedar Rapids?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Little Rock is 0.5% higher than Cedar Rapids (89.364 vs 88.963, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Cedar Rapids.
City profiles: Cedar Rapids, IA · Little Rock, AR.