Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Naperville, IL (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Atlanta is 17% cheaper than Naperville.

$1,617/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 15%
$81,938/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 84%
$420,600 ↓ 18%
Home Value
$509,900 ↑ 21%
$1,695/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 27%
499,287
Population
149,424

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $235/month cheaper in Atlanta, saving renters about $2,820/year.

Median household income is $68,999/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Naperville — common questions

Is Atlanta or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Atlanta is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Naperville?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $235/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Naperville?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $68,999/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Illinois?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/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 Atlanta details → View Naperville details →

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