Cost of Living: Fremont, CA vs Naperville, IL (2026)

Fremont

California
278
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Fremont is 89% more expensive than Naperville.

$2,905/mo ↑ 57%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↓ 36%
$176,350/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↓ 14%
$1,289,400 ↑ 153%
Home Value
$509,900 ↓ 60%
$3,000/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↓ 28%
228,518
Population
149,424

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fremont, CA and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 278 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,053/month cheaper in Naperville, saving renters about $12,636/year.

Median household income is $25,413/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fremont is $1,289,400 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fremont vs Naperville — common questions

Is Fremont or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Naperville is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fremont and Naperville?
Median rent in Fremont is $2,905/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $1,053/month.
Which city has higher income, Fremont or Naperville?
Median household income is $176,350 in Fremont and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $25,413/year higher in Fremont.
How do taxes compare between California and Illinois?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Fremont or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Fremont has a cost index of 278 with median rent of $2,905/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 Fremont details → View Naperville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fremont and Naperville

Fremont vs. Santa Clarita Fremont vs. Richmond Fremont vs. Spokane Fremont vs. Baton Rouge Fremont vs. Enterprise Fremont vs. Hialeah Naperville vs. Surprise Naperville vs. Pasadena Naperville vs. Joliet Naperville vs. Mesquite Naperville vs. Jackson Naperville vs. Pomona