Cost of Living: Alexandria, VA vs Naperville, IL (2026)

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Alexandria is 18% more expensive than Naperville.

$2,031/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↓ 9%
$113,638/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 33%
$696,800 ↑ 37%
Home Value
$509,900 ↓ 27%
$2,173/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ≈ Same
156,788
Population
149,424

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $179/month cheaper in Naperville, saving renters about $2,148/year.

Median household income is $37,299/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Naperville — common questions

Is Alexandria or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Naperville is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Naperville?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $179/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Naperville?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $37,299/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Illinois?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Alexandria or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/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 Alexandria details → View Naperville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Alexandria and Naperville

Alexandria vs. Murfreesboro Alexandria vs. Macon Alexandria vs. Paterson Alexandria vs. Lakewood Alexandria vs. Corona Alexandria vs. Killeen Naperville vs. Surprise Naperville vs. Pasadena Naperville vs. Joliet Naperville vs. Mesquite Naperville vs. Jackson Naperville vs. Pomona