Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
19% cheaper
Huntsville is 19% more affordable than Naperville. A $75,000 salary in Naperville is equivalent to $60,938 in Huntsville.
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. Huntsville has a housing index of 79 while Naperville sits at 130 (national average = 100). The median home in Huntsville costs $260,000 compared to $430,000 in Naperville, a difference of $170,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Huntsville versus $1,800 in Naperville.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Huntsville scores 96 while Naperville scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Huntsville (93) are lower than Naperville (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Huntsville is $56,098 compared to $118,254 in Naperville. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Huntsville.
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