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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Irvine is 74% more expensive than Naperville.

$2,893/mo ↑ 56%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↓ 36%
$129,647/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 16%
$1,115,400 ↑ 119%
Home Value
$509,900 ↓ 54%
$2,904/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↓ 26%
308,160
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,041/month cheaper in Naperville, saving renters about $12,492/year.

Median household income is $21,290/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs Naperville — common questions

Is Irvine or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Naperville is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Naperville?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $1,041/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Naperville?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $21,290/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 Irvine or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View Naperville details →

More Comparisons

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