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

Naperville

Illinois
147
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Naperville is 58% more expensive than Mesquite.

$1,852/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↓ 24%
$150,937/yr ↑ 110%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↓ 52%
$509,900 ↑ 125%
Home Value
$226,500 ↓ 56%
$2,161/mo ↑ 56%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↓ 36%
149,424
Population
148,848

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Naperville, IL and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $445/month cheaper in Mesquite, saving renters about $5,340/year.

Median household income is $79,094/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Naperville is $509,900 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Naperville vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Naperville or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesquite is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Naperville and Mesquite?
Median rent in Naperville is $1,852/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $445/month.
Which city has higher income, Naperville or Mesquite?
Median household income is $150,937 in Naperville and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $79,094/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 Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Naperville has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,852/mo, while Mesquite has a cost index of 89 with rent of $1,407/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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