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

Little Rock

Arkansas
74
VS

Aurora

Illinois
100

Little Rock is 26% cheaper than Aurora.

$1,067/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,535/mo ↑ 44%
$60,583/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$90,109/yr ↑ 49%
$221,200 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$260,400 ↑ 18%
$1,099/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,591/mo ↑ 45%
202,739
Population
179,867

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Little Rock, AR and Aurora, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $468/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $5,616/year.

Median household income is $29,526/year higher in Aurora. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Little Rock is $221,200 compared to $260,400 in Aurora.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Little Rock vs Aurora — common questions

Is Little Rock or Aurora 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 Little Rock and Aurora?
Median rent in Little Rock is $1,067/month and in Aurora it's $1,535/month — a difference of $468/month.
Which city has higher income, Little Rock or Aurora?
Median household income is $60,583 in Little Rock and $90,109 in Aurora. Median household income is $29,526/year higher in Aurora.
How do taxes compare between Arkansas and Illinois?
Arkansas has 4.4% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Little Rock or Aurora?
It depends on your priorities. Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,067/mo, while Aurora has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,535/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Little Rock details → View Aurora details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Little Rock and Aurora

Little Rock vs. Salt Lake City Little Rock vs. McKinney Little Rock vs. Columbus Little Rock vs. Augusta Little Rock vs. Worcester Little Rock vs. Oxnard Aurora vs. Chattanooga Aurora vs. Ontario Aurora vs. Fort Lauderdale Aurora vs. Eugene Aurora vs. Shreveport Aurora vs. Elk Grove