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

Naperville

Illinois
147
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Naperville is 71% more expensive than Pasadena.

$1,852/mo ↑ 54%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↓ 35%
$150,937/yr ↑ 135%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↓ 57%
$509,900 ↑ 163%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 62%
$2,161/mo ↑ 89%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↓ 47%
149,424
Population
149,345

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
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Naperville, IL and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $651/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $7,812/year.

Median household income is $86,667/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Naperville is $509,900 compared to $193,600 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Naperville vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Naperville or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Naperville and Pasadena?
Median rent in Naperville is $1,852/month and in Pasadena it's $1,201/month — a difference of $651/month.
Which city has higher income, Naperville or Pasadena?
Median household income is $150,937 in Naperville and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $86,667/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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Naperville has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,852/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,201/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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