Cost of Living: Birmingham, AL vs Naperville, IL (2026)

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Birmingham is 58% cheaper than Naperville.

$1,047/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 77%
$44,376/yr ↓ 71%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 240%
$138,600 ↓ 73%
Home Value
$509,900 ↑ 268%
$991/mo ↓ 54%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 118%
199,322
Population
149,424

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.41%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $805/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $9,660/year.

Median household income is $106,561/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Naperville — common questions

Is Birmingham or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Naperville?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $805/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Naperville?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $106,561/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Illinois?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Birmingham or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/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 Birmingham details → View Naperville details →

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