Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Little Rock, AR (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Little Rock

Arkansas
74

Chicago is 35% more expensive than Little Rock.

$1,380/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↓ 23%
$75,134/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$60,583/yr ↓ 19%
$315,200 ↑ 42%
Home Value
$221,200 ↓ 30%
$1,502/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,099/mo ↓ 27%
2,707,648
Population
202,739

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Little Rock, AR, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $313/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $3,756/year.

Median household income is $14,551/year higher in Chicago. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $221,200 in Little Rock.

Arkansas has a lower income tax rate, making Little Rock slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Little Rock — common questions

Is Chicago or Little Rock cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Little Rock is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Little Rock?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Little Rock it's $1,067/month — a difference of $313/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Little Rock?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $60,583 in Little Rock. Median household income is $14,551/year higher in Chicago.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Arkansas?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Little Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/mo, while Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with rent of $1,067/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chicago details → View Little Rock details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Chicago and Little Rock

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