Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
22% cheaper
Birmingham is 22% more affordable than Naperville. A $75,000 salary in Naperville is equivalent to $58,259 in Birmingham.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Alabama salaries · Illinois salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Birmingham has a housing index of 67 while Naperville sits at 130 (national average = 100). The median home in Birmingham costs $165,000 compared to $430,000 in Naperville, a difference of $265,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Birmingham versus $1,800 in Naperville.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Birmingham scores 96 while Naperville scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Birmingham (91) are lower than Naperville (101).
Median household income in Birmingham is $38,178 compared to $118,254 in Naperville. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Birmingham.
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