Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Naperville, IL (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Boston is 20% more expensive than Naperville.

$2,093/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↓ 12%
$94,755/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 59%
$710,400 ↑ 39%
Home Value
$509,900 ↓ 28%
$2,176/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ≈ Same
663,972
Population
149,424

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $241/month cheaper in Naperville, saving renters about $2,892/year.

Median household income is $56,182/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Naperville — common questions

Is Boston or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Naperville is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Naperville?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $241/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Naperville?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $56,182/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Illinois?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View Naperville details →

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