Cost of Living: Naperville, IL vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Naperville

Illinois
147
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Naperville is 101% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,852/mo ↑ 84%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 46%
$150,937/yr ↑ 211%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 68%
$509,900 ↑ 116%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 54%
$2,161/mo ↑ 108%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 52%
149,424
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

14.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Naperville, IL and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $847/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $10,164/year.

Median household income is $102,401/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Naperville is $509,900 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Naperville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Naperville vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Naperville or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Naperville and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Naperville is $1,852/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $847/month.
Which city has higher income, Naperville or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $150,937 in Naperville and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $102,401/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Alabama?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Naperville or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Naperville has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,852/mo, while Tuscaloosa has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,005/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Naperville details → View Tuscaloosa details →

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