Cost of Living: Cleveland, OH vs Naperville, IL (2026)

Cleveland

Ohio
51
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Cleveland is 65% cheaper than Naperville.

$894/mo ↓ 52%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 107%
$39,187/yr ↓ 74%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 285%
$94,100 ↓ 82%
Home Value
$509,900 ↑ 442%
$866/mo ↓ 60%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 150%
367,523
Population
149,424

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.53%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

27.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cleveland, OH and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 51 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $958/month cheaper in Cleveland, saving renters about $11,496/year.

Median household income is $111,750/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cleveland is $94,100 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Cleveland slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cleveland vs Naperville — common questions

Is Cleveland or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cleveland is cheaper to live in with an index of 51 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cleveland and Naperville?
Median rent in Cleveland is $894/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $958/month.
Which city has higher income, Cleveland or Naperville?
Median household income is $39,187 in Cleveland and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $111,750/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Illinois?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Cleveland or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Cleveland has a cost index of 51 with median rent of $894/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 Cleveland details → View Naperville details →

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