Cost of Living: Naperville, IL vs Athens, GA (2026)

Naperville

Illinois
147
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Naperville is 77% more expensive than Athens.

$1,852/mo ↑ 59%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 37%
$150,937/yr ↑ 192%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 66%
$509,900 ↑ 88%
Home Value
$271,800 ↓ 47%
$2,161/mo ↑ 86%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 46%
149,424
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.49%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

14.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Naperville, IL and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $690/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $8,280/year.

Median household income is $99,282/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Naperville is $509,900 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Naperville vs Athens — common questions

Is Naperville or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Naperville and Athens?
Median rent in Naperville is $1,852/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $690/month.
Which city has higher income, Naperville or Athens?
Median household income is $150,937 in Naperville and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $99,282/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Georgia?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Naperville or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Naperville has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,852/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Naperville details → View Athens details →

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