F
33%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
109%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Naperville Illinois National
Cost of living13398100
Groceries101100100
Health care99100100
Housing20995100
Transportation101101100
Utilities9899100
Lifestyle & Entertainment99100100
Household Items97100100
Education & Childcare103100100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Naperville, IL

Knowing the cost of living in Naperville allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Naperville stands at 133, marking it 33% higher than the national average.

If you're in pursuit of an economical living environment, Naperville may not fit the bill, as it ranks among the most expensive places to reside in the United States. Just a minority of regions exhibit a cost of living that is more than 20% higher than the national average, and, unfortunately, Naperville falls within this bracket.

When it comes to the cost of living in Naperville, housing costs are a real heavyweight, often hogging a significant chunk of your earnings. Sadly, in this area, housing expenses for both buying and renting were 108.5% more expensive compared to your average city. That means you'll be shelling out more for homes, rents, mortgage rates and insurance.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Naperville?

Nobody knows their city better than the people who actually live there. So, we asked 16 local residents how they would rate the cost of living in Naperville and this is how they responded. 38% of people said that the cost of living was affordable, with prices decreasing, while 63% of people said that the cost of living was very expensive and prices continue to rise.

Is Naperville Affordable?

Is Naperville an affordable place to live? That's a valid question to ask when you're thinking about moving to a new city. After all, how much it costs to live somewhere can be a huge factor in your decision. Affordability can be broken down into 3 common categories. The cost of living index (we talked about it earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a big role in figuring out if a place is affordable. For instance, in Naperville, the median home price is 129.4% higher than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 59.8% higher than the usual rates. Income levels in Naperville come in at $193,565, which is 138% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Naperville?

Transportation: In areas where public transportation is scarce or unavailable, residents often find themselves compelled to own and upkeep vehicles, thereby increasing the overall cost of living. Monthly expenses encompass fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potentially lease or financing payments. In Naperville, the transportation index is 0.8% higher than the national average.

Urbanization: Larger, urban hubs brimming with ample amenities and robust employment opportunities often showcase a heightened cost of living. This surge is primarily attributed to the amplified demand for services and increased residential migration, culminating in elevated home prices and elevated rental rates. Conversely, less densely populated rural locales or regions characterized by reduced demand tend to offer a more limited array of amenities and undergo slower job market growth, ultimately yielding a more affordable cost of living.

Groceries: Grocery prices have seen substantial hikes in the last 2-3 years, with some markets witnessing food cost increases of over 20% during this period. Conversely, certain markets have experienced only moderate upticks. These variations in food expenses can have a substantial impact on the overall cost of living in any locality. In Naperville, the groceries index is 1.2% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Naperville shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Naperville is 35% higher than the Illinois average
  • The cost of living in Naperville is 33% higher than the national average
  • Naperville housing is 109% higher than the national average
  • Illinois general sales tax is 22% higher than the national average
  • Illinois state income tax is 91% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Naperville

See all the best places to live around Naperville

Compare Naperville, IL Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$226,954$18,913$5,295$6,809
      Renters$110,586$9,216$2,580$3,318
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Naperville, IL, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Naperville have a median income of $226,954. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $5,295 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $110,586, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $2,580.

      Illinois Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Illinois 6.25% 10.25%

      Illinois Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Illinois 4.95% 4.95%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Fairmont, IL2,777946.0%
      Bellwood, IL19,287991.0%
      Berkeley, IL5,2661000.2%
      Stone Park, IL4,9971000.4%
      Crest Hill, IL20,9831010.7%
      Naperville, IL151,58213332.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Bellevue, WA151,975203103.2%
      Rockford, IL151,1698713.5%
      Joliet, IL152,1371022.4%
      Killeen, TX152,944946.1%
      Torrance, CA150,06619594.6%
      Naperville, IL151,58213332.6%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.