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

Little Rock

Arkansas
74
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Little Rock is 50% cheaper than Naperville.

$1,067/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 74%
$60,583/yr ↓ 60%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 149%
$221,200 ↓ 57%
Home Value
$509,900 ↑ 131%
$1,099/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 97%
202,739
Population
149,424

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
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Little Rock, AR and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $785/month cheaper in Little Rock, saving renters about $9,420/year.

Median household income is $90,354/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Little Rock is $221,200 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Little Rock vs Naperville — common questions

Is Little Rock or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Little Rock is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Little Rock and Naperville?
Median rent in Little Rock is $1,067/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $785/month.
Which city has higher income, Little Rock or Naperville?
Median household income is $60,583 in Little Rock and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $90,354/year higher in Naperville.
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 Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Little Rock has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,067/mo, while Naperville has a cost index of 147 with rent of $1,852/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Little Rock details → View Naperville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Little Rock and Naperville

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 Naperville vs. Surprise Naperville vs. Pasadena Naperville vs. Joliet Naperville vs. Mesquite Naperville vs. Jackson Naperville vs. Pomona