Cost of Living: Naperville, IL vs Gainesville, FL (2026)

Naperville

Illinois
147
VS

Gainesville

Florida
81

Naperville is 81% more expensive than Gainesville.

$1,852/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$1,214/mo ↓ 34%
$150,937/yr ↑ 231%
Median Income
$45,611/yr ↓ 70%
$509,900 ↑ 117%
Home Value
$235,000 ↓ 54%
$2,161/mo ↑ 85%
Owner Costs
$1,167/mo ↓ 46%
149,424
Population
143,611

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

14.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
31.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Naperville, IL and Gainesville, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $638/month cheaper in Gainesville, saving renters about $7,656/year.

Median household income is $105,326/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Naperville is $509,900 compared to $235,000 in Gainesville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Naperville vs Gainesville — common questions

Is Naperville or Gainesville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Gainesville is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Naperville and Gainesville?
Median rent in Naperville is $1,852/month and in Gainesville it's $1,214/month — a difference of $638/month.
Which city has higher income, Naperville or Gainesville?
Median household income is $150,937 in Naperville and $45,611 in Gainesville. Median household income is $105,326/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Florida?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Naperville or Gainesville?
It depends on your priorities. Naperville has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,852/mo, while Gainesville has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Naperville details → View Gainesville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Naperville and Gainesville

Naperville vs. Surprise Naperville vs. Pasadena Naperville vs. Joliet Naperville vs. Mesquite Naperville vs. Jackson Naperville vs. Pomona Gainesville vs. Olathe Gainesville vs. Torrance Gainesville vs. McAllen Gainesville vs. Thornton Gainesville vs. Syracuse Gainesville vs. Visalia