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

Charlotte

North Carolina
108
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Charlotte is 27% cheaper than Naperville.

$1,504/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 23%
$78,438/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 92%
$351,500 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$509,900 ↑ 45%
$1,487/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 45%
886,283
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

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charlotte, NC and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 108 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $348/month cheaper in Charlotte, saving renters about $4,176/year.

Median household income is $72,499/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charlotte is $351,500 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charlotte vs Naperville — common questions

Is Charlotte or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Charlotte is cheaper to live in with an index of 108 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charlotte and Naperville?
Median rent in Charlotte is $1,504/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $348/month.
Which city has higher income, Charlotte or Naperville?
Median household income is $78,438 in Charlotte and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $72,499/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 Charlotte or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Charlotte has a cost index of 108 with median rent of $1,504/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 Charlotte details → View Naperville details →

More Comparisons

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