Moving from Little Rock, AR to Round Rock, TX
Relocating between Little Rock, AR and Round Rock, TX is a 491 mi drive — 8h 36m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
491 mi · 8h 36m by car · AR → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | AR → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 30, US 70, I 35E |
| Major cities en route | Allen, Mckinney, Garland, Plano, Mesquite |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Little Rock | Round Rock | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.364 | 98.066 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.635 | 82.044 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.577 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 68.295 | 120.361 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 9.7% above Little Rock — 89.364 → 98.066 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
9.7% jump on the typical home value — a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Little Rock +2.2%, Round Rock -5.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
Climate normals not available (no NOAA station within range for one city).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Little Rock | Round Rock |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 202,739 | 124,288 |
| Median household income | $60,583 | $97,187 |
| Median age | 36.4 | 36.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 28.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.33 | 2.66 |
Expect median household income to rise 9.7% — $60,583 → $97,187 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Round Rock MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 160,480 | $44,250 |
| Management Occupations | 121,080 | $120,430 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 115,170 | $38,390 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 115,080 | $30,040 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 99,680 | $77,510 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Arkansas and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- 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 Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Little Rock vs Round Rock?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $97,187 in Round Rock vs $60,583 in Little Rock — a 60.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Round Rock, TX from Little Rock, AR?
The driving distance is 491 mi and the route typically takes 8h 36m via I 30 and US 70. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Little Rock to Round Rock?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 491 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Round Rock compared to Little Rock?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $407,077 in Round Rock vs $216,519 in Little Rock — a 88.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Round Rock compare to Little Rock?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,070 in the Round Rock MSA vs $42,100 in the Little Rock MSA, on total employment of 1,235,440 and 345,890 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Round Rock more expensive than Little Rock?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Round Rock is 9.7% higher than Little Rock (98.066 vs 89.364, 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 Little Rock.
City profiles: Little Rock, AR · Round Rock, TX.