Moving from Little Rock, AR to Gilbert, AZ
Relocating 1291 mi from Little Rock to Gilbert is a 22h 54m drive through 5 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1291 mi Β· 22h 54m by car Β· AZ β NM β TX β OK β AR
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β TX β OK β AR |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, AZ 77, US 270 |
| Major cities en route | Chandler, Mesa, Tempe, Phoenix, Glendale |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Little Rock | Gilbert | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.364 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.635 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.577 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 68.295 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 15.6% above Little Rock β 89.364 β 103.316 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
15.6% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Little Rock +2.2%, Gilbert -1.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Little Rock | Gilbert |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 71Β°F |
| January avg low | 31Β°F | 41Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 104Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 50.4" | β |
Expect 9.7Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LITTLE ROCK AP ADAMS FLD, AR US, CHANDLER HEIGHTS, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Little Rock | Gilbert |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 202,739 | 271,118 |
| Median household income | $60,583 | $121,351 |
| Median age | 36.4 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 30.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.33 | 2.96 |
Expect median household income to rise 15.6% β $60,583 β $121,351 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Gilbert MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 314,170 | $45,080 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 205,010 | $34,400 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 204,700 | $37,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 199,140 | $40,870 |
| Management Occupations | 170,690 | $105,420 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Arkansas and Arizona
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arizona'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 β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% 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-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close 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 Gilbert average 104Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- 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 Arizona after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Gilbert more expensive than Little Rock?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Gilbert is 15.6% higher than Little Rock (103.316 vs 89.364, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Little Rock to Gilbert?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1291 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Little Rock vs Gilbert?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $121,351 in Gilbert vs $60,583 in Little Rock β a 100.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Gilbert compared to Little Rock?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $572,507 in Gilbert vs $216,519 in Little Rock β a 164.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Gilbert compare to Little Rock?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Gilbert MSA vs $42,100 in the Little Rock MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 345,890 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Gilbert, AZ from Little Rock, AR?
The driving distance is 1291 mi and the route typically takes 22h 54m via I 40 and AZ 77. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Little Rock.
City profiles: Little Rock, AR Β· Gilbert, AZ.