Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
21% cheaper
Little Rock is 21% more affordable than Chicago. A $75,000 salary in Chicago is equivalent to $58,879 in Little Rock.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Illinois salaries · Arkansas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Chicago has a housing index of 112 while Little Rock sits at 62 (national average = 100). The median home in Chicago costs $310,000 compared to $170,000 in Little Rock, a difference of $140,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Chicago versus $950 in Little Rock.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Chicago scores 104 while Little Rock scores 94.
Healthcare costs in Chicago (101) are higher than Little Rock (90).
Median household income in Chicago is $62,097 compared to $47,638 in Little Rock. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Little Rock.
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