Moving from Little Rock, AR to Tuscaloosa, AL
The 371 mi from Little Rock to Tuscaloosa translate to about 7h 7m behind the wheel through 4 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
371 mi Β· 7h 7m 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, US 43 |
| Major cities en route | Memphis |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Little Rock | Tuscaloosa | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.364 | 87.722 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 74.635 | 84.396 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.577 | 96.397 | 100.0 |
| Services | 68.295 | 58.246 | 100.0 |
Tuscaloosa and Little Rock are close on the overall BEA RPP (89.364 vs 87.722); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow typical home value is 1.8% higher in Tuscaloosa than Little Rock as of 2026-03.
YoY change: Little Rock +2.2%, Tuscaloosa +1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Little Rock | Tuscaloosa |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 64Β°F |
| January avg low | 31Β°F | 35Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 3.8" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 50.4" | 57.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 61.7Β°F vs 64.3Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LITTLE ROCK AP ADAMS FLD, AR US, NORTHPORT 2 S, AL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Little Rock | Tuscaloosa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 202,739 | 107,699 |
| Median household income | $60,583 | $48,536 |
| Median age | 36.4 | 28.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25% | 21.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.33 | 2.68 |
Income steps down 1.8%: $60,583 in Little Rock vs $48,536 in Tuscaloosa.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Tuscaloosa MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Production Occupations | 15,750 | $48,310 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 9,940 | $37,980 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 9,860 | $25,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 9,250 | $36,980 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 8,780 | $29,460 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Arkansas and Alabama
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Alabama'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 Tuscaloosa 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: Tuscaloosa averages 57.3 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- Hurricane season runs June through November on the Gulf Coast.
- 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 Alabama after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Little Rock to Tuscaloosa?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 371 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 Tuscaloosa compare to Little Rock?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,690 in the Tuscaloosa MSA vs $42,100 in the Little Rock MSA, on total employment of 103,520 and 345,890 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Little Rock vs Tuscaloosa?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $48,536 in Tuscaloosa vs $60,583 in Little Rock β a 19.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Tuscaloosa more expensive than Little Rock?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Tuscaloosa is 1.8% lower than Little Rock (87.722 vs 89.364, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Tuscaloosa compared to Little Rock?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $228,947 in Tuscaloosa vs $216,519 in Little Rock β a 5.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Tuscaloosa, AL from Little Rock, AR?
The driving distance is 371 mi and the route typically takes 7h 7m via US 78 and I 40. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
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· Tuscaloosa, AL.