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

Naperville

Illinois
147
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Naperville is 62% more expensive than College Station.

$1,852/mo ↑ 59%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 37%
$150,937/yr ↑ 192%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 66%
$509,900 ↑ 56%
Home Value
$326,500 ↓ 36%
$2,161/mo ↑ 73%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 42%
149,424
Population
122,280

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
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Naperville, IL and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $684/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $8,208/year.

Median household income is $99,161/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Naperville is $509,900 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Naperville vs College Station — common questions

Is Naperville or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Naperville and College Station?
Median rent in Naperville is $1,852/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $684/month.
Which city has higher income, Naperville or College Station?
Median household income is $150,937 in Naperville and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $99,161/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 College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Naperville has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,852/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Naperville details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Naperville and College Station

Naperville vs. Surprise Naperville vs. Pasadena Naperville vs. Joliet Naperville vs. Mesquite Naperville vs. Jackson Naperville vs. Pomona College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette