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

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Huntsville is 47% cheaper than Naperville.

$1,078/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 72%
$70,778/yr ↓ 53%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 113%
$263,100 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$509,900 ↑ 94%
$1,046/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 107%
218,814
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

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $774/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $9,288/year.

Median household income is $80,159/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Naperville — common questions

Is Huntsville or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Naperville?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $774/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Naperville?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $80,159/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 Huntsville or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/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 Huntsville details → View Naperville details →

More Comparisons

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