Cost of Living: Cary, NC vs Naperville, IL (2026)

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Cary is 8% cheaper than Naperville.

$1,621/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 14%
$129,399/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 17%
$525,200 ↑ 3%
Home Value
$509,900 ↓ 3%
$1,744/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 24%
176,686
Population
149,424

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

15.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $231/month cheaper in Cary, saving renters about $2,772/year.

Median household income is $21,538/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Cary slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Naperville — common questions

Is Cary or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cary is cheaper to live in with an index of 135 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Naperville?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $231/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Naperville?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $21,538/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Illinois?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% 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 Cary or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/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 Cary details → View Naperville details →

More Comparisons

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