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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Durham is 29% cheaper than Naperville.

$1,412/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 31%
$79,234/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 90%
$355,300 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$509,900 ↑ 44%
$1,434/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 51%
288,465
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

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $440/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $5,280/year.

Median household income is $71,703/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Naperville — common questions

Is Durham or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Naperville?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $440/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Naperville?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $71,703/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 Durham or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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 Durham details → View Naperville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Durham and Naperville

Durham vs. Anchorage Durham vs. Plano Durham vs. Jersey City Durham vs. Chandler Durham vs. Lincoln Durham vs. Buffalo Naperville vs. Surprise Naperville vs. Pasadena Naperville vs. Joliet Naperville vs. Mesquite Naperville vs. Jackson Naperville vs. Pomona