Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Naperville, IL (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Denver and Naperville have a similar cost of living.

$1,770/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 5%
$91,681/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 65%
$586,700 ↑ 15%
Home Value
$509,900 ↓ 13%
$1,839/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 18%
713,734
Population
149,424

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.95%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $82/month cheaper in Denver, saving renters about $984/year.

Median household income is $59,256/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Denver slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Naperville — common questions

Is Denver or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Naperville is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Naperville?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $82/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Naperville?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $59,256/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Illinois?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Naperville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Denver and Naperville

Denver vs. Seattle Denver vs. Oklahoma City Denver vs. San Francisco Denver vs. Nashville Denver vs. Indianapolis Denver vs. El Paso Naperville vs. Surprise Naperville vs. Pasadena Naperville vs. Joliet Naperville vs. Mesquite Naperville vs. Jackson Naperville vs. Pomona