Cost of Living: Arlington, TX vs Naperville, IL (2026)

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Arlington is 35% cheaper than Naperville.

$1,389/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 33%
$73,519/yr ↓ 51%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 105%
$276,400 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$509,900 ↑ 84%
$1,420/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 52%
394,769
Population
149,424

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $463/month cheaper in Arlington, saving renters about $5,556/year.

Median household income is $77,418/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Arlington residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Naperville — common questions

Is Arlington or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Naperville?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $463/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Naperville?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $77,418/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Illinois?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/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 Arlington details → View Naperville details →

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