Moving from Phoenix, AZ to Little Rock, AR
Relocating 1334 mi from Phoenix to Little Rock is a 22h 50m 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.
1334 mi Β· 22h 50m 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, I 17, US 270 |
| Major cities en route | Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Tempe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Phoenix | Little Rock | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 89.364 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 74.635 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 93.577 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 68.295 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 13.5% cheaper overall in Little Rock than Phoenix on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
13.5% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Phoenix -2.7%, Little Rock +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Phoenix | Little Rock |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 73Β°F | 62Β°F |
| January avg low | 44Β°F | 31Β°F |
| July avg high | 104Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 3.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 8.9" | 50.4" |
Expect 10.8Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Light snow year: Little Rock gets around 3.8 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PHOENIX DEER VALLEY MUNI AP, AZ US, LITTLE ROCK AP ADAMS FLD, AR US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Phoenix | Little Rock |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,624,832 | 202,739 |
| Median household income | $77,041 | $60,583 |
| Median age | 34.8 | 36.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 25% |
| Avg household size | 2.7 | 2.33 |
Expect median household income to fall 13.5% β $77,041 β $60,583 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Arizona 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-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 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.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (10.8Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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
When is the best time to move from Phoenix 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 1334 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Little Rock, AR from Phoenix, AZ?
The driving distance is 1334 mi and the route typically takes 22h 50m via I 40 and I 17. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Little Rock compared to Phoenix?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $216,519 in Little Rock vs $410,169 in Phoenix β a 47.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Little Rock compare to Phoenix?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $42,100 in the Little Rock MSA vs $48,600 in the Phoenix MSA, on total employment of 345,890 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Little Rock more expensive than Phoenix?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Little Rock is 13.5% lower than Phoenix (89.364 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Phoenix vs Little Rock?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,583 in Little Rock vs $77,041 in Phoenix β a 21.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Phoenix.
City profiles: Phoenix, AZ Β· Little Rock, AR.