Median rent is 25% lower in Chicago ($1,380/mo vs $1,852/mo). Buying is cheaper in Chicago, where the median home runs $315,200 versus $509,900. Households earn more in Naperville ($150,937 vs $75,134 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (105.7).
City A
Chicago, IL
City B
Naperville, IL
How much would you need to earn in Naperville, IL to maintain your standard of living from Chicago, IL?
Equivalent salary in Naperville, IL
$75,000
Costs are about the same in both cities.
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
Chicago
Illinois
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 Chicago — median rent of $1,380/mo versus $1,852/mo in Naperville, a 25% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Naperville: the median home is $509,900 versus $315,200 in Chicago — 38% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% versus 4.95% in Illinois, so Naperville is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Illinois and 6.25% in Illinois; Naperville has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Chicago
Income tax: 4.95%
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 21.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Naperville if you prioritize higher median household income ($150,937/yr).
Pick Chicago if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,380/mo median).
Is Chicago cheaper than Naperville?
Chicago is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 105.7 versus 105.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Chicago.
How much is rent in Chicago vs Naperville?
Median rent is $1,380/mo in Chicago, IL and $1,852/mo in Naperville, IL. Chicago, IL has the lower rent by about 25%.
Which has higher salaries — Chicago or Naperville?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago, IL 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 21.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Chicago or Naperville?
Illinois's top income tax rate is 4.95% and Illinois's is 4.95%. Naperville, IL has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Naperville to match my Chicago income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Chicago, IL is equivalent to roughly $100,000 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