Moving from Jacksonville, FL to Little Rock, AR
A move from Jacksonville, FL to Little Rock, AR covers 802 mi and around 15h 34m of driving through 6 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
802 mi · 15h 34m by car · FL → GA → AL → MS → TN → AR
Distance & route
| Route through | FL → GA → AL → MS → TN → AR |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 22, US 280, I 40 |
| Major cities en route | Columbus, Birmingham, Memphis |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Jacksonville | Little Rock | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 99.484 | 89.364 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.514 | 74.635 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.24 | 93.577 | 100.0 |
| Services | 109.777 | 68.295 | 100.0 |
Little Rock is 10.2% cheaper than Jacksonville overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Little Rock is 10.2% below Jacksonville — $282,895 vs $216,519 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Jacksonville -3.1%, Little Rock +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Jacksonville | Little Rock |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 71°F | 62°F |
| January avg low | 47°F | 31°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 3.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 47.6" | 50.4" |
Little Rock is 9.7°F cooler on the annual average (71.4°F vs 61.7°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
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: JACKSONVILLE NAS, FL US, LITTLE ROCK AP ADAMS FLD, AR US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Jacksonville | Little Rock |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 961,739 | 202,739 |
| Median household income | $66,981 | $60,583 |
| Median age | 36.4 | 36.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.6% | 25% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 2.33 |
Median household income in Little Rock is 10.2% below Jacksonville ($66,981 → $60,583, ACS 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 Florida 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.
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
When is the best time to move from Jacksonville 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 802 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 Jacksonville, FL?
The driving distance is 802 mi and the route typically takes 15h 34m via I 22 and US 280. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Little Rock more expensive than Jacksonville?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Little Rock is 10.2% lower than Jacksonville (89.364 vs 99.484, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Jacksonville and Little Rock?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 61.7°F in Little Rock vs 71.4°F in Jacksonville (9.7°F colder). Annual snowfall: 3.8 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 50.4 in vs 47.6 in.
How does household income compare in Jacksonville vs Little Rock?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,583 in Little Rock vs $66,981 in Jacksonville — a 9.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Little Rock compare to Jacksonville?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $42,100 in the Little Rock MSA vs $45,420 in the Jacksonville MSA, on total employment of 345,890 and 740,520 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Little Rock compared to Jacksonville?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $216,519 in Little Rock vs $282,895 in Jacksonville — a 23.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Jacksonville.
City profiles: Jacksonville, FL · Little Rock, AR.