Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Naperville, IL (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Albuquerque is 46% cheaper than Naperville.

$1,085/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 71%
$65,604/yr ↓ 57%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 130%
$266,700 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$509,900 ↑ 91%
$1,149/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 88%
562,488
Population
149,424

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.67%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $767/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $9,204/year.

Median household income is $85,333/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Naperville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Naperville — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Naperville?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $767/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Naperville?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $85,333/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Illinois?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Naperville has a cost index of 147 with rent of $1,852/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Naperville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Albuquerque and Naperville

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