63
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
74
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Little Rock wins 3–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Little Rock wins 0–3 overall (74/100)
💰 Little Rock is more affordable
💼 Little Rock has lower unemployment
🛡️ Chicago has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Little Rock — The Verdict
Little Rock scores 74.5/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Little Rock has a clear edge with home prices 32% lower. For safety-conscious movers, Chicago has a notably lower disaster history with 8 fewer declarations in 20 years. Little Rock may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Little Rock are 32% lower — a difference of $98,700 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Little Rock saves you $308/month — that's $3,696 per year.
💵
Households in Chicago earn $12,976 more per year (22% higher median income).
🌬️
Little Rock has cleaner air with an AQI 33 points lower — particularly important for people with respiratory conditions.
🛡️
Chicago has experienced 8 fewer federally declared disasters in the last 20 years, indicating lower overall natural disaster risk.
Median Home Value
$304,500
$205,800
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,006
Median Income
$71,673
$58,697
The affordability gap is significant — Little Rock offers home prices 32% lower than Chicago, translating to $98,700 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
4.2%
Job markets are essentially equivalent in both cities — the difference in unemployment rates is negligible. Focus on which city has more openings in your specific field.
Air Quality (AQI)
60
27 Good
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Little Rock wins on air quality with an AQI 33 points lower. For allergy sufferers, families with young children, or anyone with respiratory concerns, this difference is medically significant.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
10
18
Chicago has a markedly lower disaster history — 8 fewer federal declarations over 20 years. This can translate to lower insurance premiums and less disruption to daily life.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Little Rock: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Little Rock cheaper to live in?
Little Rock is more affordable overall. Home prices are $98,700 lower in Little Rock. Monthly rent is $1,006 in Little Rock vs $1,314 in Chicago.
Does Chicago or Little Rock have better weather?
Little Rock scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Little Rock better for finding a job?
Little Rock currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 4.2% in Little Rock. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $58,697 in Little Rock.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Little Rock?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Chicago is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 18 in Little Rock. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Little Rock.
Should I move from Chicago to Little Rock?
Based on our data, Little Rock scores 74.5/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Little Rock is more affordable, while Little Rock has a better climate.
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 4, 2026.