Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $904 in Arkansas versus $1,258 in Illinois. Overall, Arkansas runs roughly 28% cheaper on rent than Illinois, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $60,583 in Arkansas and $90,109 in Illinois — about 33% higher in Illinois. Arkansas has a top state income tax rate of 3.90% and a 6.5% state sales tax; Illinois has a top state income tax rate of 4.95% and a 6.25% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6.5%
6.25%
+0.3 pp in Arkansas
Income Tax (top rate)
3.90%
4.95%
+1.1 pp in Illinois
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$904
$1,258
+39% in Illinois
Median Home Value
$221,200
$315,200
+42% in Illinois
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$60,583
$90,109
+49% in Illinois
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
62.7°F
49.9°F
+12.8°F in Arkansas
Arkansas vs Illinois — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Arkansas or Illinois?
- Arkansas is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $904 runs about 28% below Illinois's $1,258, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Arkansas than in Illinois?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $36,000 a year in Arkansas versus $50,000 in Illinois.
- Which has lower taxes, Arkansas or Illinois?
- Arkansas has a top state income tax rate of 3.90% and a 6.5% state sales tax. Illinois has a top state income tax rate of 4.95% and a 6.25% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/3 cities we track in Arkansas/Illinois — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.