Median rent is 1% lower in Naperville ($1,852/mo vs $1,879/mo). Buying is cheaper in Naperville, where the median home runs $509,900 versus $879,500. Households earn more in Naperville ($150,937 vs $80,366 a year). Taken together, Naperville is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 105.7 against 113.3 — about 7% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Naperville, IL.
Quick verdict
Naperville is 7% cheaper overall
Cost index: 105.7 in Naperville vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US average = 100)
City A
Los Angeles, CA
City B
Naperville, IL
How much would you need to earn in Naperville, IL to maintain your standard of living from Los Angeles, CA?
Equivalent salary in Naperville, IL
$69,968
You could earn $5,032 less (7% lower) and break even.
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
Los Angeles
California
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 rents are similar in both cities: $1,879/mo in Los Angeles and $1,852/mo in Naperville. Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $879,500 versus $509,900 in Naperville — 42% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% versus 4.95% in Illinois, so Naperville is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 7.25% in California and 6.25% in Illinois; Naperville has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Los Angeles
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Naperville
Income tax: 4.95%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Naperville has cleaner air on average: 16.0 AQI (Good) compared to 77.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Naperville if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 105.7 vs 113.3).
Pick Naperville if you prioritize higher median household income ($150,937/yr).
Pick Naperville if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 16.0).
Pick Naperville if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.95%).
Is Los Angeles cheaper than Naperville?
Naperville is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 105.7 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 7% lower in Naperville.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs Naperville?
Median rent is $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA and $1,852/mo in Naperville, IL. Naperville, IL has the lower rent by about 1%.
Which has higher salaries — Los Angeles or Naperville?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA 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 77.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Los Angeles or Naperville?
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% and Illinois's is 4.95%. Naperville, IL has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Naperville to match my Los Angeles income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Los Angeles, CA is equivalent to roughly $93,291 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