Median rent is 22% lower in Arlington ($1,470/mo vs $1,885/mo). Buying is cheaper in Arlington, where the median home runs $304,700 versus $540,200. Households earn more in Naperville ($155,105 vs $75,171 a year). Taken together, Naperville is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 102.5 against 102.5 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Naperville, IL.
City A
Arlington, TX
City B
Naperville, IL
How much would you need to earn in Naperville, IL to maintain your standard of living from Arlington, TX?
Equivalent salary in Naperville, IL
$74,997
You could earn $3 less (0% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Arlington
Texas
Naperville
Illinois
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Arlington — median rent of $1,470/mo versus $1,885/mo in Naperville, a 22% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Naperville: the median home is $540,200 versus $304,700 in Arlington — 44% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Arlington
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Naperville
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Naperville has cleaner air on average: 27.0 AQI (Good) compared to 55.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Naperville if you prioritize higher median household income ($155,105/yr).
Pick Arlington if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,470/mo median).
Pick Naperville if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 27.0).
Is Arlington cheaper than Naperville?
Naperville is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 102.5 versus 102.5 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Naperville.
How much is rent in Arlington vs Naperville?
Median rent is $1,470/mo in Arlington, TX and $1,885/mo in Naperville, IL. Arlington, TX has the lower rent by about 22%.
Which has higher salaries — Arlington or Naperville?
Median household income is $75,171 in Arlington, TX and $155,105 in Naperville, IL. Naperville, IL has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Naperville, IL has better air quality on average: 27.0 AQI versus 55.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Arlington or Naperville?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Naperville to match my Arlington income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Arlington, TX is equivalent to roughly $99,996 in Naperville, IL (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
