Cost of Living: Kansas City, KS vs Naperville, IL (2026)

Kansas City

Kansas City
65
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Kansas City is 56% cheaper than Naperville.

$1,073/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 73%
$59,183/yr ↓ 61%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 155%
$147,100 ↓ 71%
Home Value
$509,900 ↑ 247%
$1,054/mo ↓ 51%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 105%
154,776
Population
149,424

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.41%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, KS and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $779/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $9,348/year.

Median household income is $91,754/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $147,100 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Naperville — common questions

Is Kansas City or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Naperville?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,073/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $779/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Naperville?
Median household income is $59,183 in Kansas City and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $91,754/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Illinois?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Kansas City or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $1,073/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 Kansas City details → View Naperville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Kansas City and Naperville

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