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

Little Rock

Arkansas
74
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Little Rock is 16% cheaper than Joliet.

$1,067/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↑ 16%
$60,583/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 45%
$221,200 ↓ 11%
Home Value
$248,600 ↑ 12%
$1,099/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↑ 34%
202,739
Population
149,785

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
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Little Rock, AR and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $170/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $2,040/year.

Median household income is $27,443/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Little Rock is $221,200 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Little Rock vs Joliet — common questions

Is Little Rock or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Little Rock is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Little Rock and Joliet?
Median rent in Little Rock is $1,067/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $170/month.
Which city has higher income, Little Rock or Joliet?
Median household income is $60,583 in Little Rock and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $27,443/year higher in Joliet.
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 Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,067/mo, while Joliet has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,237/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Little Rock details → View Joliet details →

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