Cost of Living: Bellevue, WA vs Naperville, IL (2026)

Bellevue

Washington
250
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Bellevue is 70% more expensive than Naperville.

$2,505/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↓ 26%
$161,300/yr ↑ 7%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↓ 6%
$1,203,100 ↑ 136%
Home Value
$509,900 ↓ 58%
$2,586/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↓ 16%
151,199
Population
149,424

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

18.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bellevue, WA and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 250 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $653/month cheaper in Naperville, saving renters about $7,836/year.

Median household income is $10,363/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bellevue is $1,203,100 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Bellevue residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bellevue vs Naperville — common questions

Is Bellevue or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Naperville is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bellevue and Naperville?
Median rent in Bellevue is $2,505/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $653/month.
Which city has higher income, Bellevue or Naperville?
Median household income is $161,300 in Bellevue and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $10,363/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Illinois?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Bellevue or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with median rent of $2,505/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 Bellevue details → View Naperville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Bellevue and Naperville

Bellevue vs. Charleston Bellevue vs. Escondido Bellevue vs. Roseville Bellevue vs. Jackson Bellevue vs. Hollywood Bellevue vs. Joliet Naperville vs. Surprise Naperville vs. Pasadena Naperville vs. Joliet Naperville vs. Mesquite Naperville vs. Jackson Naperville vs. Pomona