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

Brownsville

Texas
54
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Brownsville is 63% cheaper than Naperville.

$906/mo ↓ 51%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 104%
$48,675/yr ↓ 68%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 210%
$122,400 ↓ 76%
Home Value
$509,900 ↑ 317%
$830/mo ↓ 62%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 160%
188,023
Population
149,424

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Brownsville, TX and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 54 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $946/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $11,352/year.

Median household income is $102,262/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Brownsville is $122,400 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Brownsville vs Naperville — common questions

Is Brownsville or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Brownsville and Naperville?
Median rent in Brownsville is $906/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $946/month.
Which city has higher income, Brownsville or Naperville?
Median household income is $48,675 in Brownsville and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $102,262/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 Brownsville or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Brownsville has a cost index of 54 with median rent of $906/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 Brownsville details → View Naperville details →

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