Median rent is 11% lower in Austin ($1,655/mo vs $1,852/mo). Buying is cheaper in Naperville, where the median home runs $509,900 versus $512,700. Households earn more in Naperville ($150,937 vs $91,461 a year). Taken together, Austin is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.8 against 105.7 — about 7% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Naperville, IL.
Quick verdict
Austin is 7% cheaper overall
Cost index: 98.8 in Austin vs 105.7 in Naperville (US average = 100)
City A
Austin, TX
City B
Naperville, IL
How much would you need to earn in Naperville, IL to maintain your standard of living from Austin, TX?
Equivalent salary in Naperville, IL
$80,234
You'd need $5,234 more (7% higher).
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
Austin
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
Median rent is modestly lower in Austin at $1,655/mo compared to $1,852/mo in Naperville (11% gap). Median home values are within 1% of each other: $512,700 in Austin and $509,900 in Naperville.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Texas has no state income tax, while Illinois tops out at 4.95% — giving Austin a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Texas and 6.25% in Illinois; Naperville has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Austin
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.25%
Naperville
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Naperville has cleaner air on average: 16.0 AQI (Good) compared to 47.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Austin if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 98.8 vs 105.7).
Pick Naperville if you prioritize higher median household income ($150,937/yr).
Pick Austin if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,655/mo median).
Pick Naperville if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 16.0).
Is Austin cheaper than Naperville?
Austin is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.8 versus 105.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 7% lower in Austin.
How much is rent in Austin vs Naperville?
Median rent is $1,655/mo in Austin, TX and $1,852/mo in Naperville, IL. Austin, TX has the lower rent by about 11%.
Which has higher salaries — Austin or Naperville?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin, TX and $150,937 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: 16.0 AQI versus 47.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Austin or Naperville?
Texas has no state income tax. Illinois has a top rate of 4.95%.
What salary do I need in Naperville to match my Austin income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Austin, TX is equivalent to roughly $106,979 in Naperville, IL (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology