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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Fresno is 31% cheaper than Naperville.

$1,324/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 40%
$66,804/yr ↓ 56%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 126%
$348,500 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$509,900 ↑ 46%
$1,391/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 55%
543,615
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

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $528/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $6,336/year.

Median household income is $84,133/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Naperville — common questions

Is Fresno or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Naperville?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $528/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Naperville?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $84,133/year higher in Naperville.
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 Fresno or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Naperville details →

More Comparisons

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