Moving from Little Rock, AR to Columbus, OH
A move from Little Rock, AR to Columbus, OH covers 732 mi and around 13h 29m of driving through 4 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
732 mi Β· 13h 29m by car Β· OH β KY β TN β AR
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β KY β TN β AR |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 71, I 65 |
| Major cities en route | Dayton, Cincinnati, Memphis |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Little Rock | Columbus | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.364 | 95.469 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.635 | 95.523 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.577 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 68.295 | 87.945 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Columbus is 6.8% higher than Little Rock, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Columbus is 6.8% above Little Rock ($245,979 vs $216,519 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Little Rock +2.2%, Columbus -0.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Little Rock | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 31Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 50.4" | 44.7" |
Columbus is 8.9Β°F cooler on the annual average (61.7Β°F vs 52.8Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LITTLE ROCK AP ADAMS FLD, AR US, COLUMBUS WCMH, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Little Rock | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 202,739 | 906,480 |
| Median household income | $60,583 | $65,327 |
| Median age | 36.4 | 33 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 24.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.33 | 2.34 |
Median household income in Columbus is 6.8% above Little Rock ($60,583 β $65,327, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Columbus MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 132,160 | $44,440 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 121,490 | $40,860 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 92,300 | $29,470 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 83,070 | $35,930 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 78,820 | $77,760 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Arkansas and Ohio
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Ohio'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-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
- 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.
Frequently asked
How far is Columbus, OH from Little Rock, AR?
The driving distance is 732 mi and the route typically takes 13h 29m via I 40 and I 71. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Columbus more expensive than Little Rock?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Columbus is 6.8% higher than Little Rock (95.469 vs 89.364, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Little Rock vs Columbus?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,327 in Columbus vs $60,583 in Little Rock β a 7.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Columbus compared to Little Rock?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $245,979 in Columbus vs $216,519 in Little Rock β a 13.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Little Rock to Columbus?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 732 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Columbus compare to Little Rock?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,970 in the Columbus MSA vs $42,100 in the Little Rock MSA, on total employment of 1,067,190 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 Β· Columbus, OH.