Naperville vs Savannah for Families (2026)

A family-focused comparison of housing, income, taxes, and overall affordability in Naperville, IL vs Savannah, GA.

  • 2BR rent: $2,000/mo in Savannah vs $2,200/mo — 9% difference
  • More affordable homeownership in Savannah: $310K median vs $430K
  • Higher median household income in Naperville: $95K/yr vs $55K

Family cost comparison

Metric
Naperville
Illinois
Savannah
Georgia
2BR rent/month$2,200$2,000Better
Median home price$430K$310KBetter
Median household income$95KBetter$55K
Est. childcare/month$1,300$1,196Better
State income tax5%Better5.5%
Sales tax (combined)8.5%8%Better

Frequently asked questions

Which city is better for raising a family — Naperville or Savannah?

Based on housing costs, income, and taxes, Savannah scores slightly better for families overall. Savannah has lower 2-bedroom rents, Savannah is more affordable for homebuyers, though both cities have strong family communities.

What is the average 2-bedroom rent in Naperville vs Savannah?

As of Q1 2026, median 2BR rent is $2,200/month in Naperville and $2,000/month in Savannah. Savannah is 9% cheaper for a 2-bedroom apartment.

Can a family afford to buy a home in Naperville or Savannah?

The price-to-income ratio in Naperville is 4.5× ($430K home, $95K income) vs 5.6× in Savannah. A ratio below 3× is generally considered affordable. Naperville is more achievable for first-time family homebuyers.

How much does childcare cost in Naperville vs Savannah?

Based on cost-of-living indices, estimated childcare (infant/toddler) runs approximately $1,300/month in Naperville and $1,196/month in Savannah. These are estimates — actual costs vary by provider and program type.

Which city has lower taxes for families?

Naperville has a 5% state income tax rate vs Savannah's 5.5% rate. For a dual-income family earning $120K combined, the difference can mean $30+/month in take-home.

Childcare estimates based on national average scaled by COL index. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation · Q1 2026

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