Moving from Little Rock, AR to Naperville, IL
A move from Little Rock, AR to Naperville, IL covers 626 mi and around 11h 46m of driving through 3 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.
626 mi Β· 11h 46m by car Β· AR β MO β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | AR β MO β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 55, US 67, US 167 |
| Major cities en route | St Louis, Springfield, Joliet, Aurora, Chicago |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Little Rock | Naperville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.364 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.635 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.577 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 68.295 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Naperville is 15.9% 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 Naperville is 15.9% above Little Rock β $216,519 vs $610,454 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Little Rock +2.2%, Naperville +5.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Little Rock | Naperville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 31Β°F | 15Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 50.4" | 40.2" |
Naperville is 12.5Β°F cooler on the annual average (61.7Β°F vs 49.2Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LITTLE ROCK AP ADAMS FLD, AR US, LISLE-MORTON ARBORETUM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Little Rock | Naperville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 202,739 | 149,424 |
| Median household income | $60,583 | $150,937 |
| Median age | 36.4 | 40.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 38.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.33 | 2.75 |
Median household income in Naperville is 15.9% above Little Rock ($60,583 vs $150,937, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Naperville MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 519,810 | $46,540 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 497,550 | $41,020 |
| Management Occupations | 405,130 | $125,280 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 386,070 | $38,490 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 368,000 | $33,540 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Arkansas and Illinois
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Illinois'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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (12.5Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Illinois after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Naperville compared to Little Rock?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $610,454 in Naperville vs $216,519 in Little Rock β a 181.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Little Rock vs Naperville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $150,937 in Naperville vs $60,583 in Little Rock β a 149.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Naperville more expensive than Little Rock?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Naperville is 15.9% higher than Little Rock (103.595 vs 89.364, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Little Rock to Naperville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 626 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Naperville, IL from Little Rock, AR?
The driving distance is 626 mi and the route typically takes 11h 46m via I 55 and US 67. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Naperville compare to Little Rock?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Naperville MSA vs $42,100 in the Little Rock MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 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· Naperville, IL.