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

Naperville

Illinois
147
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Naperville is 15% more expensive than Richardson.

$1,852/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↓ 1%
$150,937/yr ↑ 57%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↓ 36%
$509,900 ↑ 26%
Home Value
$405,600 ↓ 20%
$2,161/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↓ 17%
149,424
Population
118,269

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
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Naperville, IL and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $54,680/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Naperville is $509,900 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Naperville vs Richardson — common questions

Is Naperville or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richardson is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Naperville and Richardson?
Median rent in Naperville is $1,852/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $27/month.
Which city has higher income, Naperville or Richardson?
Median household income is $150,937 in Naperville and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $54,680/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 Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Naperville has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,852/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Naperville details → View Richardson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Naperville and Richardson

Naperville vs. Surprise Naperville vs. Pasadena Naperville vs. Joliet Naperville vs. Mesquite Naperville vs. Jackson Naperville vs. Pomona Richardson vs. Billings Richardson vs. Cambridge Richardson vs. Wilmington Richardson vs. North Charleston Richardson vs. Spring Hill Richardson vs. Clearwater