Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Naperville, IL (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Des Moines is 52% cheaper than Naperville.

$1,054/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 76%
$63,966/yr ↓ 58%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 136%
$183,700 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$509,900 ↑ 178%
$1,137/mo ↓ 47%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 90%
212,464
Population
149,424

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.57%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $798/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $9,576/year.

Median household income is $86,971/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Naperville — common questions

Is Des Moines or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Naperville?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $798/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Naperville?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $86,971/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Illinois?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/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 Des Moines details → View Naperville details →

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