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

Naperville

Illinois
147
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Naperville is 123% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,852/mo ↑ 82%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 45%
$150,937/yr ↑ 151%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 60%
$509,900 ↑ 193%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 66%
$2,161/mo ↑ 117%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 54%
149,424
Population
143,789

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
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Naperville, IL and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $835/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $10,020/year.

Median household income is $90,772/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Naperville is $509,900 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Naperville vs McAllen — common questions

Is Naperville or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Naperville and McAllen?
Median rent in Naperville is $1,852/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $835/month.
Which city has higher income, Naperville or McAllen?
Median household income is $150,937 in Naperville and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $90,772/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 McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Naperville has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,852/mo, while McAllen has a cost index of 66 with rent of $1,017/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Naperville details → View McAllen details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Naperville and McAllen

Naperville vs. Surprise Naperville vs. Pasadena Naperville vs. Joliet Naperville vs. Mesquite Naperville vs. Jackson Naperville vs. Pomona McAllen vs. Syracuse McAllen vs. Olathe McAllen vs. Denton McAllen vs. Gainesville McAllen vs. Savannah McAllen vs. Torrance