Moving from Little Rock, AR to Glendale, AZ
The drive from Little Rock, AR to Glendale, AZ runs 1339 mi — about 22h 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.
1339 mi · 22h 59m by car · AZ → NM → TX → OK → AR
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ → NM → TX → OK → AR |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 17, US 270 |
| Major cities en route | Surprise, Goodyear, Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Little Rock | Glendale | 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 cost of living in Glendale is 15.6% higher than Little Rock, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Glendale is 15.6% above Little Rock — $216,519 vs $407,332 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Little Rock +2.2%, Glendale -2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Little Rock | Glendale |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62°F | 72°F |
| January avg low | 31°F | 41°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 105°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.8" | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 50.4" | 8.3" |
Climate warms by 10.2°F on the annual average — 61.7°F → 71.9°F.
Glendale gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: LITTLE ROCK AP ADAMS FLD, AR US, YOUNGTOWN, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Little Rock | Glendale |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 202,739 | 250,193 |
| Median household income | $60,583 | $70,139 |
| Median age | 36.4 | 34.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 15.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.33 | 2.88 |
Income steps up 15.6%: $60,583 in Little Rock vs $70,139 in Glendale.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Glendale 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 — 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-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 Glendale average 105°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Glendale sees only 8.3 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (10.2°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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
When is the best time to move from Little Rock to Glendale?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1339 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Glendale more expensive than Little Rock?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Glendale 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.
What is the climate difference between Little Rock and Glendale?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 71.9°F in Glendale vs 61.7°F in Little Rock (10.2°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 0.0 in vs 3.8 in. Annual precipitation: 8.3 in vs 50.4 in.
How far is Glendale, AZ from Little Rock, AR?
The driving distance is 1339 mi and the route typically takes 22h 59m via I 40 and I 17. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Little Rock vs Glendale?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $70,139 in Glendale vs $60,583 in Little Rock — a 15.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Glendale compared to Little Rock?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $407,332 in Glendale vs $216,519 in Little Rock — a 88.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Glendale compare to Little Rock?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Glendale 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.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Little Rock.
City profiles: Little Rock, AR · Glendale, AZ.