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

Glendale

California
214
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Glendale is 46% more expensive than Naperville.

$2,095/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↓ 12%
$84,262/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 79%
$1,043,900 ↑ 105%
Home Value
$509,900 ↓ 51%
$2,212/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↓ 2%
192,270
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

29.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, CA and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 214 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $243/month cheaper in Naperville, saving renters about $2,916/year.

Median household income is $66,675/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $1,043,900 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Naperville — common questions

Is Glendale or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Naperville is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 214 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Naperville?
Median rent in Glendale is $2,095/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $243/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Naperville?
Median household income is $84,262 in Glendale and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $66,675/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 Glendale or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 214 with median rent of $2,095/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 Glendale details → View Naperville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Glendale and Naperville

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