Cost of Living: Indianapolis, IN vs Naperville, IL (2026)

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Indianapolis is 50% cheaper than Naperville.

$1,112/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 67%
$62,995/yr ↓ 58%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 140%
$207,000 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$509,900 ↑ 146%
$1,124/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 92%
882,043
Population
149,424

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.83%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $740/month cheaper in Indianapolis, saving renters about $8,880/year.

Median household income is $87,942/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Indianapolis slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Naperville — common questions

Is Indianapolis or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Indianapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Naperville?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $740/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Naperville?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $87,942/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Illinois?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Indianapolis or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/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.
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