Category / Metric	Bentonville	Chicago
Financial Overview
Median Income	$108,465	$74,474
Unemployment Rate	4.1%	4.2%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$500,000	$365,000
Price per SqFt	$233	$261
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$773	$1,507
Housing Cost Index	75.8	110.7
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	92.1	103.3
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	671.9	819.0
Bachelor's Degree+	53.7%	45.7%
Air Quality (AQI)	33	38

Chicago vs. Bentonville: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

So, you're standing at a crossroads. On one side, you have Chicago—the Windy City, a massive, gritty, iconic metropolis that’s been the heart of the Midwest for generations. On the other, Bentonville, Arkansas—the quiet, wealthy headquarters of Walmart, nestled in the Ozarks, rapidly transforming from a corporate town into a mountain biking mecca.

Choosing between these two is like choosing between a thrilling rollercoaster and a serene, scenic hike. One offers relentless energy and world-class amenities; the other offers a high quality of life with a surprising amount of cash in your pocket.

Let’s break it down. No fluff, just the data and the straight talk you need to make this decision.

The Vibe Check: Grit vs. Green

Chicago is a 24/7 global city. It’s a concrete jungle of soaring skyscrapers, deep-dish pizza, legendary blues clubs, and 77 distinct neighborhoods. The vibe is fast-paced, demanding, and incredibly diverse. You walk everywhere, you take the "L," and you’re constantly surrounded by millions of people. It’s for the person who craves cultural depth—museums, theater, food scenes—and doesn’t mind the hustle (or the winter). If you thrive on ambition and want to feel like you're in the center of the world, Chicago calls your name.

Bentonville is the corporate oasis. With a population of just 56,326, it feels like a large, well-funded town rather than a city. The vibe is clean, safe, and outdoorsy. The corporate influence of Walmart is everywhere, but so are the mountain biking trails, the art sculptures in Crystal Bridges Museum, and the manicured downtown. It’s for the professional who wants a high salary, a short commute, and easy access to nature. If you value community, a slower pace, and trading city noise for cicadas and trails, Bentonville is your spot.

Verdict: Chicago wins for cultural immersion and urban energy. Bentonville wins for a clean, outdoor-focused lifestyle with a small-town feel.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Stretch?

This is where the story gets interesting. On paper, Bentonville’s median income ($108,465) dwarfs Chicago’s ($74,474). But the real question is purchasing power. Let’s look at the hard numbers.

Cost of Living Comparison

Category	Chicago, IL	Bentonville, AR	Winner (Lowest Cost)
Median Home Price	$365,000	$500,000	Chicago
Rent (1BR)	$1,507	$773	Bentonville
Housing Index	110.7	75.8	Bentonville
Combined Tax Burden	High (IL 4.95% Income Tax)	Low (AR 0% Income Tax)	Bentonville

Breaking It Down:

The Rent Advantage: Bentonville takes the cake for renters. At $773 for a 1-bedroom, it’s nearly 50% cheaper than Chicago’s $1,507. If you’re not ready to buy, Bentonville offers massive monthly savings.
The Housing Paradox: This is the curveball. While Bentonville’s rent is low, its median home price is $500,000—that’s $135,000 more than Chicago’s $365,000. This suggests a "seller's market" in Bentonville with low inventory, driving up purchase prices. Chicago’s market is more established and, surprisingly, more accessible for buyers.
The Tax Bite: Illinois has a flat 4.95% state income tax. Arkansas has 0% state income tax. For a person earning $100,000, that’s $4,950 more in your pocket annually in Bentonville. This is a huge deal for high earners.

Purchasing Power Scenario: If you earn $100,000:

In Chicago, after taxes, you’re left with roughly $75,000. Your rent is $1,507/month, eating 24% of your take-home pay.
In Bentonville, after taxes, you keep your full $100,000. Your rent is $773/month, eating only 9% of your take-home pay.

Bentonville is the clear winner for your wallet, especially for renters. The purchasing power is significantly higher.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

Chicago:

Buyer's Market? It's more balanced. With a Housing Index of 110.7, it's above the national average but not extreme. You can find fixer-uppers in up-and-coming neighborhoods or luxury units in the Gold Coast. Competition exists, but it's not the frenzy we saw in 2021.
Renting Reality: The rental market is vast. From luxury high-rises to vintage walk-ups, options are plentiful. The $1,507 1BR average is a real number.

Bentonville:

Seller's Market: The Housing Index of 75.8 is misleading. That index is likely based on historical data. The current reality is a seller's market with low inventory. New builds are happening, but demand (from Walmart executives, remote workers, and mountain bikers) is outpacing supply. Expect bidding wars on homes under $500,000.
Renting Reality: The rental pool is shallow. With a population of 56k, there are far fewer apartments. The $773 average is attractive, but finding available units can be competitive.

Verdict: Chicago offers more variety and potentially better value for buyers. Bentonville is a tough market for buyers but a haven for renters.

The Dealbreakers: Traffic, Weather & Safety

Traffic & Commute

Chicago: Infamous. The Kennedy Expressway is a parking lot. Public transit (the "L" and buses) is extensive but can be crowded and unreliable. The average commute is 32 minutes. Owning a car in the city is expensive (insurance, parking).
Bentonville: A dream. The average commute is under 15 minutes. Traffic is minimal. You can bike to work (literally, the trail system is that good). Owning a car is easy and cheap.

Weather

Chicago: Brutal winters. The data shows an average low of 21°F, but wind chills can plunge below zero. Summers are hot and humid (90°F). You get all four seasons, but winter is a 5-month commitment.
Bentonville: Milder. Average low of 46°F. Winters are cold but not Chicago-cold. Summers are hot and humid (90°F+), similar to the South. You get more sun and less snow.

Crime & Safety

This is a critical, honest look:

Chicago: The numbers are stark. Violent Crime: 819.0/100k. While many neighborhoods are perfectly safe, the city-wide average is high. This is a city of micro-neighborhoods; safety varies drastically block-by-block.
Bentonville: Violent Crime: 671.9/100k. Surprisingly, the rate isn't as low as you'd expect for a small, wealthy town. However, this is likely due to its rapid growth and the nature of crime (more property crime). For residents, it feels exceptionally safe, with a strong community presence.

Verdict: Bentonville wins overwhelmingly for commute and weather comfort. Chicago has a more complex safety profile that requires hyper-local research.

The Final Verdict: Who Should Pack Their Bags?

After crunching the numbers and living the vibe, here’s the straight talk on who each city is for.

Winner for Families: Bentonville

Why: The math is compelling. Lower crime perception, top-rated public schools in Arkansas (a huge draw), and a community built around family activities. The outdoor lifestyle (hiking, biking) is perfect for kids. While the median home price is high, the overall quality of life and safety edge out Chicago's urban intensity.

Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: Chicago

Why: If you're under 35 and want to build a career, have an active social life, and experience world-class culture, Chicago is unbeatable. The dating scene, networking opportunities, and sheer number of things to do are on another level. The cost of living is higher, but the ROI in career and lifestyle is massive.

Winner for Retirees: Bentonville

Why: Low taxes (0% income tax), mild winters, and a stress-free environment. Access to world-class healthcare (via Walmart's influence) and a peaceful community make it ideal. Chicago can be tough for seniors due to harsh winters and the physical demands of a big city.

Quick Pros & Cons

Chicago: The Urban Titan

PROS:

World-class dining, arts, and culture.
Extensive public transit (no car needed).
Diverse neighborhoods with unique characters.
Strong job market across industries.
More affordable home buying than Bentonville.

CONS:

Brutal, long winters (21°F averages).
High violent crime rate (819.0/100k).
Traffic congestion and long commutes.
High state income tax (4.95%).
High cost of living overall.

Bentonville: The Corporate Gem