Cost of Living: Arlington, VA vs Naperville, IL (2026)

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Arlington is 38% more expensive than Naperville.

$2,275/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↓ 19%
$140,160/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 8%
$864,800 ↑ 70%
Home Value
$509,900 ↓ 41%
$2,414/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↓ 10%
235,463
Population
149,424

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $423/month cheaper in Naperville, saving renters about $5,076/year.

Median household income is $10,777/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Naperville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Naperville — common questions

Is Arlington or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Naperville is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Naperville?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $423/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Naperville?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $10,777/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Illinois?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/mo, while Naperville has a cost index of 147 with rent of $1,852/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Arlington details → View Naperville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Arlington and Naperville

Arlington vs. Boise Arlington vs. Norfolk Arlington vs. Scottsdale Arlington vs. Enterprise Arlington vs. Garland Arlington vs. Spokane Naperville vs. Surprise Naperville vs. Pasadena Naperville vs. Joliet Naperville vs. Mesquite Naperville vs. Jackson Naperville vs. Pomona