Median rent is 34% lower in Jacksonville ($913/mo vs $1,380/mo). Buying is cheaper in Jacksonville, where the median home runs $155,300 versus $315,200. Households earn more in Chicago ($75,134 vs $46,947 a year). Taken together, Jacksonville is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.5 against 105.7 — about 7% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Chicago, IL.
Quick verdict
Jacksonville is 7% cheaper overall
Cost index: 98.5 in Jacksonville vs 105.7 in Chicago (US average = 100)
City A
Chicago, IL
City B
Jacksonville, AR
How much would you need to earn in Jacksonville, AR to maintain your standard of living from Chicago, IL?
Equivalent salary in Jacksonville, AR
$69,882
You could earn $5,118 less (7% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Chicago
Illinois
Jacksonville
Arkansas
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Jacksonville — median rent of $913/mo versus $1,380/mo in Chicago, a 34% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Chicago: the median home is $315,200 versus $155,300 in Jacksonville — 51% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% versus 4.40% in Arkansas, so Jacksonville is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 6.50% in Arkansas; Chicago has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Jacksonville
Income tax: 4.40%
Sales tax: 6.50%
Air quality data is available for Chicago (avg AQI 21.0) but not yet for Jacksonville.
Pick Jacksonville if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 98.5 vs 105.7).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize higher median household income ($75,134/yr).
Pick Jacksonville if you prioritize cheaper rent ($913/mo median).
Pick Jacksonville if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.40%).
Is Chicago cheaper than Jacksonville?
Jacksonville is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.5 versus 105.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 7% lower in Jacksonville.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Jacksonville?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $913/mo in Jacksonville, AR. Jacksonville, AR has the lower rent by about 34%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or Jacksonville?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL and $46,947 in Jacksonville, AR. Chicago, IL has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Chicago or Jacksonville?
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% and Arkansas's is 4.40%. Jacksonville, AR has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Jacksonville to match my Chicago income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chicago, IL is equivalent to roughly $93,175 in Jacksonville, AR (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology