Cost of Living: Jersey City, NJ vs Naperville, IL (2026)

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Jersey City and Naperville have a similar cost of living.

$1,902/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↓ 3%
$94,813/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 59%
$534,500 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$509,900 ↓ 5%
$2,006/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 8%
289,691
Population
149,424

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.23%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $50/month cheaper in Naperville, saving renters about $600/year.

Median household income is $56,124/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Naperville — common questions

Is Jersey City or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Naperville is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Naperville?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $50/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Naperville?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $56,124/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Illinois?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Jersey City or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/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 Jersey City details → View Naperville details →

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