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

Naperville

Illinois
147
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Naperville is 107% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,852/mo ↑ 67%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 40%
$150,937/yr ↑ 141%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 58%
$509,900 ↑ 185%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 65%
$2,161/mo ↑ 94%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 48%
149,424
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

14.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Naperville, IL and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $746/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $8,952/year.

Median household income is $88,217/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Naperville is $509,900 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Naperville vs Abilene — common questions

Is Naperville or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Naperville and Abilene?
Median rent in Naperville is $1,852/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $746/month.
Which city has higher income, Naperville or Abilene?
Median household income is $150,937 in Naperville and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $88,217/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Texas?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Naperville or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Naperville has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,852/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Naperville details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Naperville and Abilene

Naperville vs. Surprise Naperville vs. Pasadena Naperville vs. Joliet Naperville vs. Mesquite Naperville vs. Jackson Naperville vs. Pomona Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland