Skip to content

Free comparison

Moving from Illinois to Arkansas

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

IL state flag
Living now

Illinois

Capital: Springfield

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

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

AR state flag
Moving to

Arkansas

Capital: Little Rock

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

Walmart HQ, Ozarks, low cost of living.

Arkansas has an overall price level 86.9 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Illinois
100.0
Arkansas
86.9
Arkansas has 13% lower overall price level
Housing index
Illinois
93.9
Arkansas
58.2
Arkansas has 38% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Illinois
100.0
Arkansas
96.7
Arkansas has 3.3% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Illinois
100.0
Arkansas
98.0
Arkansas has 2.0% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Illinois
18.9 ¢/kWh
Arkansas
13.6 ¢/kWh
Arkansas has 28% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Illinois
100.0
Arkansas
97.4
Arkansas has 2.6% lower transportation
Median home value
Illinois
$280,700
Arkansas
$215,600
Arkansas is 23% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Illinois
$1,169/mo
Arkansas
$794/mo
Arkansas is 32% cheaper to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals (live) state-level

Summer high 92°F · Winter low 30°F · 217 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Illinois
85°F
Arkansas
92°F
Arkansas is 8.2% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Illinois
19°F
Arkansas
30°F
Arkansas is 58% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Illinois
52°F
Arkansas
61°F
Arkansas is 16% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Illinois
189
Arkansas
217
Arkansas has 15% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Illinois
40 in
Arkansas
51 in
Arkansas is 28% more annual precipitation
Air quality (est. AQI)
Illinois
40
Arkansas
42
Arkansas has 5.0% higher AQI
Snow / year
Illinois
19 in
Arkansas
3 in
Arkansas is 84% less annual snowfall

Get the full IllinoisArkansas report

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

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Arkansas than Illinois?

Arkansas's overall price level is roughly 87.1 (US avg = 100), vs about 99.4 for Illinois — 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?

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

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

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

Related comparisons