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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Houston is 40% cheaper than Naperville.

$1,313/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 41%
$62,894/yr ↓ 58%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 140%
$253,400 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$509,900 ↑ 101%
$1,316/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 64%
2,300,419
Population
149,424

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $539/month cheaper in Houston, saving renters about $6,468/year.

Median household income is $88,043/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Naperville — common questions

Is Houston or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Houston is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Naperville?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $539/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Naperville?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $88,043/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 Houston or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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 Houston details → View Naperville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Houston and Naperville

Houston vs. Chicago Houston vs. Phoenix Houston vs. Los Angeles Houston vs. Philadelphia Houston vs. New York Houston vs. San Antonio Naperville vs. Surprise Naperville vs. Pasadena Naperville vs. Joliet Naperville vs. Mesquite Naperville vs. Jackson Naperville vs. Pomona