Moving from Montgomery, AL to Little Rock, AR
Relocating between Montgomery, AL and Little Rock, AR is a 469 mi drive β 8h 40m 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.
469 mi Β· 8h 40m by car Β· AR β TN β MS β AL
Distance & route
| Route through | AR β TN β MS β AL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 78, I 40, I 65 |
| Major cities en route | Memphis, Birmingham |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Montgomery | Little Rock | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.682 | 89.364 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.907 | 74.635 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 93.577 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.347 | 68.295 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 89.682 vs 89.364 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 0.4% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $151,228 to $216,519 moving to Little Rock.
YoY change: Montgomery +1.1%, Little Rock +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Montgomery | Little Rock |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68Β°F | 62Β°F |
| January avg low | 40Β°F | 31Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 3.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 51.8" | 50.4" |
Expect 6.2Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Little Rock averages 3.8 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MONTGOMERY 6SW, AL US, LITTLE ROCK AP ADAMS FLD, AR US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Montgomery | Little Rock |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 198,440 | 202,739 |
| Median household income | $55,687 | $60,583 |
| Median age | 36.2 | 36.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.4% | 25% |
| Avg household size | 2.46 | 2.33 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 0.4% higher in Little Rock than Montgomery.
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 Alabama 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 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-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 92Β°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 β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- Tornado risk peaks April through May β 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
How much do homes cost in Little Rock compared to Montgomery?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $216,519 in Little Rock vs $151,228 in Montgomery β a 43.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Montgomery vs Little Rock?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,583 in Little Rock vs $55,687 in Montgomery β a 8.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Little Rock compare to Montgomery?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $42,100 in the Little Rock MSA vs $40,220 in the Montgomery MSA, on total employment of 345,890 and 160,840 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Little Rock, AR from Montgomery, AL?
The driving distance is 469 mi and the route typically takes 8h 40m via US 78 and I 40. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Montgomery to Little Rock?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 469 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Little Rock more expensive than Montgomery?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Little Rock is 0.4% lower than Montgomery (89.364 vs 89.682, 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 Montgomery.
City profiles: Montgomery, AL Β· Little Rock, AR.