Cost of Living: Memphis, TN vs Naperville, IL (2026)

Memphis

Tennessee
68
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Memphis is 54% cheaper than Naperville.

$1,123/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 65%
$51,211/yr ↓ 66%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 195%
$157,100 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$509,900 ↑ 225%
$1,087/mo ↓ 50%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 99%
629,063
Population
149,424

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.64%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Memphis, TN and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 68 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $729/month cheaper in Memphis, saving renters about $8,748/year.

Median household income is $99,726/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Memphis is $157,100 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Memphis vs Naperville — common questions

Is Memphis or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Memphis is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Memphis and Naperville?
Median rent in Memphis is $1,123/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $729/month.
Which city has higher income, Memphis or Naperville?
Median household income is $51,211 in Memphis and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $99,726/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Tennessee and Illinois?
Tennessee has 0% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.64% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Memphis or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Memphis has a cost index of 68 with median rent of $1,123/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 Memphis details → View Naperville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Memphis and Naperville

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