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

Naperville

Illinois
147
VS

Waco

Texas
72

Naperville is 104% more expensive than Waco.

$1,852/mo ↑ 69%
Median Rent
$1,098/mo ↓ 41%
$150,937/yr ↑ 193%
Median Income
$51,468/yr ↓ 66%
$509,900 ↑ 155%
Home Value
$199,600 ↓ 61%
$2,161/mo ↑ 98%
Owner Costs
$1,094/mo ↓ 49%
149,424
Population
141,925

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Naperville, IL and Waco, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 72 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $754/month cheaper in Waco, saving renters about $9,048/year.

Median household income is $99,469/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Naperville is $509,900 compared to $199,600 in Waco.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Naperville vs Waco — common questions

Is Naperville or Waco cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Waco is cheaper to live in with an index of 72 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Naperville and Waco?
Median rent in Naperville is $1,852/month and in Waco it's $1,098/month — a difference of $754/month.
Which city has higher income, Naperville or Waco?
Median household income is $150,937 in Naperville and $51,468 in Waco. Median household income is $99,469/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 Waco?
It depends on your priorities. Naperville has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,852/mo, while Waco has a cost index of 72 with rent of $1,098/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Naperville details → View Waco details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Naperville and Waco

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