Moving from Scottsdale, AZ to Little Rock, AR
A move from Scottsdale, AZ to Little Rock, AR covers 1285 mi and around 22h 49m of driving through 5 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.
1285 mi Β· 22h 49m 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, AZ 77, US 270 |
| Major cities en route | Peoria, Phoenix, Glendale, Tempe, Mesa |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Scottsdale | 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 |
RPP moves from 103.316 to 89.364, putting Little Rock roughly 13.5% below Scottsdale on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Little Rock: 13.5% below Scottsdale on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Scottsdale +1.7%, Little Rock +2.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Scottsdale | Little Rock |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 70Β°F | 62Β°F |
| January avg low | 43Β°F | 31Β°F |
| July avg high | 99Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 3.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 11.6" | 50.4" |
Little Rock is 7.9Β°F cooler on the annual average (69.6Β°F vs 61.7Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Light snow year: Little Rock gets around 3.8 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PINNACLE PEAK, AZ US, LITTLE ROCK AP ADAMS FLD, AR US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Scottsdale | Little Rock |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 242,169 | 202,739 |
| Median household income | $107,372 | $60,583 |
| Median age | 49.2 | 36.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37.1% | 25% |
| Avg household size | 2.06 | 2.33 |
Median household income in Little Rock is 13.5% below Scottsdale ($107,372 vs $60,583, ACS 5-year 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.
- 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
How does the job market in Little Rock compare to Scottsdale?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $42,100 in the Little Rock MSA vs $48,600 in the Scottsdale 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.
How much do homes cost in Little Rock compared to Scottsdale?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $216,519 in Little Rock vs $858,022 in Scottsdale β a 74.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Little Rock more expensive than Scottsdale?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Little Rock is 13.5% lower than Scottsdale (89.364 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Scottsdale 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 1285 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 Scottsdale vs Little Rock?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,583 in Little Rock vs $107,372 in Scottsdale β a 43.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Little Rock, AR from Scottsdale, AZ?
The driving distance is 1285 mi and the route typically takes 22h 49m via I 40 and AZ 77. The trip crosses 5 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 Scottsdale.
City profiles: Scottsdale, AZ Β· Little Rock, AR.