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Moving from Arkansas to Illinois

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Walmart HQ, Ozarks, low cost of living. vs. Chicago global city, second-highest property taxes in US.

AR state flag
Living now

Arkansas

Capital: Little Rock

Median household income $56,335 · winter low 30°F · 217 sunny days

Walmart HQ, Ozarks, low cost of living.

IL state flag
Moving to

Illinois

Capital: Springfield

Median household income $78,433 · winter low 19°F · 189 sunny days

Chicago global city, second-highest property taxes in US.

Illinois has an overall price level 100.0 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Arkansas
86.9
Illinois
100.0
Illinois has 15% higher overall price level
Housing index
Arkansas
58.2
Illinois
93.9
Illinois has 61% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Arkansas
96.7
Illinois
100.0
Illinois has 3.4% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Arkansas
98.0
Illinois
100.0
Illinois has 2.0% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Arkansas
13.6 ¢/kWh
Illinois
18.9 ¢/kWh
Illinois has 38% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Arkansas
97.4
Illinois
100.0
Illinois has 2.7% higher transportation
Median home value
Arkansas
$215,600
Illinois
$280,700
Illinois is 30% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Arkansas
$794/mo
Illinois
$1,169/mo
Illinois is 47% more expensive to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow (live) state-level

Summer high 85°F · Winter low 19°F · 189 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Arkansas
92°F
Illinois
85°F
Illinois is 7.6% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Arkansas
30°F
Illinois
19°F
Illinois is 37% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Arkansas
61°F
Illinois
52°F
Illinois is 14% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Arkansas
217
Illinois
189
Illinois has 13% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Arkansas
51 in
Illinois
40 in
Illinois is 22% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Arkansas
42
Illinois
40
Illinois has 4.8% lower AQI
Snow / year
Arkansas
3 in
Illinois
19 in
Illinois is 533% more annual snowfall

Get the full ArkansasIllinois report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, AI assistant, and 90-day timeline.

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Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Illinois than Arkansas?

Illinois's overall price level is roughly 99.4 (US avg = 100), vs about 87.1 for Arkansas — based on BEA Regional Price Parities. Housing is the dominant driver of the difference. Run a comparison for the full, current breakdown.

What's the income tax difference?

Arkansas tops out at 3.9% income tax. Illinois tops out at 4.95%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in Illinois?

Most Illinois residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.

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