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

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Austin is 9% cheaper than Naperville.

$1,655/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 12%
$91,461/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 65%
$512,700 ≈ Same
Home Value
$509,900 ≈ Same
$1,747/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 24%
967,862
Population
149,424

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $197/month cheaper in Austin, saving renters about $2,364/year.

Median household income is $59,476/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Naperville — common questions

Is Austin or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Austin is cheaper to live in with an index of 134 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Naperville?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $197/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Naperville?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $59,476/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 Austin or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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 Austin details → View Naperville details →

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