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

Naperville

Illinois
147
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Naperville is 6% more expensive than The Woodlands.

$1,852/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↓ 3%
$150,937/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↓ 6%
$509,900 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$479,400 ↓ 6%
$2,161/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↓ 7%
149,424
Population
116,916

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
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Naperville, IL and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $60/month cheaper in The Woodlands, saving renters about $720/year.

Median household income is $9,584/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Naperville is $509,900 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Naperville vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Naperville or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, The Woodlands is cheaper to live in with an index of 139 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Naperville and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Naperville is $1,852/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $60/month.
Which city has higher income, Naperville or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $150,937 in Naperville and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $9,584/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 The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Naperville has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,852/mo, while The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Naperville details → View The Woodlands details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Naperville and The Woodlands

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