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

Naperville

Illinois
147
VS

Denton

Texas
100

Naperville is 47% more expensive than Denton.

$1,852/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$1,344/mo ↓ 27%
$150,937/yr ↑ 105%
Median Income
$73,719/yr ↓ 51%
$509,900 ↑ 57%
Home Value
$325,700 ↓ 36%
$2,161/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,461/mo ↓ 32%
149,424
Population
146,987

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

14.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Naperville, IL and Denton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $508/month cheaper in Denton, saving renters about $6,096/year.

Median household income is $77,218/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Naperville is $509,900 compared to $325,700 in Denton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Naperville vs Denton — common questions

Is Naperville or Denton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Denton is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Naperville and Denton?
Median rent in Naperville is $1,852/month and in Denton it's $1,344/month — a difference of $508/month.
Which city has higher income, Naperville or Denton?
Median household income is $150,937 in Naperville and $73,719 in Denton. Median household income is $77,218/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 Denton?
It depends on your priorities. Naperville has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,852/mo, while Denton has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,344/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Naperville details → View Denton details →