Cost of Living: Lakewood, CO vs Naperville, IL (2026)

Lakewood

Colorado
141
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Lakewood is 4% cheaper than Naperville.

$1,746/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 6%
$85,789/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 76%
$548,200 ↑ 8%
Home Value
$509,900 ↓ 7%
$1,729/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 25%
156,309
Population
149,424

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.95%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

24.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakewood, CO and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 141 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $106/month cheaper in Lakewood, saving renters about $1,272/year.

Median household income is $65,148/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakewood is $548,200 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Lakewood slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakewood vs Naperville — common questions

Is Lakewood or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakewood is cheaper to live in with an index of 141 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakewood and Naperville?
Median rent in Lakewood is $1,746/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $106/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakewood or Naperville?
Median household income is $85,789 in Lakewood and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $65,148/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Illinois?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Lakewood or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with median rent of $1,746/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 Lakewood details → View Naperville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lakewood and Naperville

Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield Naperville vs. Surprise Naperville vs. Pasadena Naperville vs. Joliet Naperville vs. Mesquite Naperville vs. Jackson Naperville vs. Pomona