Cost of Living: Detroit, MI vs Naperville, IL (2026)

Detroit

Michigan
53
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Detroit is 64% cheaper than Naperville.

$1,034/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 79%
$39,575/yr ↓ 74%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 281%
$76,800 ↓ 85%
Home Value
$509,900 ↑ 564%
$868/mo ↓ 60%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 149%
636,644
Population
149,424

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.38%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

31.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Detroit, MI and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 53 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $818/month cheaper in Detroit, saving renters about $9,816/year.

Median household income is $111,362/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Detroit is $76,800 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Detroit slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Detroit vs Naperville — common questions

Is Detroit or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Detroit is cheaper to live in with an index of 53 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Detroit and Naperville?
Median rent in Detroit is $1,034/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $818/month.
Which city has higher income, Detroit or Naperville?
Median household income is $39,575 in Detroit and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $111,362/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Illinois?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Detroit or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Detroit has a cost index of 53 with median rent of $1,034/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 Detroit details → View Naperville details →

More Comparisons

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