Moving from Akron, OH to Little Rock, AR
Relocating 856 mi from Akron to Little Rock is a 15h 54m drive through 4 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.
856 mi Β· 15h 54m by car Β· AR β TN β KY β OH
Distance & route
| Route through | AR β TN β KY β OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 71, I 65 |
| Major cities en route | Memphis, Cincinnati, Dayton, Columbus, Cleveland |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Akron | Little Rock | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.37 | 89.364 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.448 | 74.635 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 93.577 | 100.0 |
| Services | 76.785 | 68.295 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
4.3% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Akron +2.2%, Little Rock +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Akron | Little Rock |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 62Β°F |
| January avg low | 21Β°F | 31Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 3.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 32.5" | 50.4" |
Expect 9.4Β°F warmer 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: AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US, LITTLE ROCK AP ADAMS FLD, AR US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Akron | Little Rock |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 189,526 | 202,739 |
| Median household income | $48,544 | $60,583 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 36.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.3% | 25% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.33 |
Expect median household income to rise 4.3% β $48,544 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 Ohio 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.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees 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
Is Little Rock more expensive than Akron?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Little Rock is 4.3% lower than Akron (89.364 vs 93.37, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Little Rock compared to Akron?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $216,519 in Little Rock vs $137,894 in Akron β a 57.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Akron 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 856 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 Akron vs Little Rock?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,583 in Little Rock vs $48,544 in Akron β a 24.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Little Rock, AR from Akron, OH?
The driving distance is 856 mi and the route typically takes 15h 54m via I 40 and I 71. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Little Rock compare to Akron?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $42,100 in the Little Rock MSA vs $45,950 in the Akron MSA, on total employment of 345,890 and 320,810 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 Akron.
City profiles: Akron, OH Β· Little Rock, AR.