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

Little Rock

Arkansas
74
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Little Rock is 18% cheaper than Elgin.

$1,067/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↑ 18%
$60,583/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$88,316/yr ↑ 46%
$221,200 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$252,400 ↑ 14%
$1,099/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 37%
202,739
Population
114,106

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
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Little Rock, AR and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $193/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $2,316/year.

Median household income is $27,733/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Little Rock is $221,200 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Little Rock vs Elgin — common questions

Is Little Rock or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Little Rock is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Little Rock and Elgin?
Median rent in Little Rock is $1,067/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $193/month.
Which city has higher income, Little Rock or Elgin?
Median household income is $60,583 in Little Rock and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $27,733/year higher in Elgin.
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 Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,067/mo, while Elgin has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,260/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Little Rock details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

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