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

Lancaster

California
124
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Lancaster is 16% cheaper than Naperville.

$1,696/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 9%
$76,083/yr ↓ 50%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 98%
$409,100 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$509,900 ↑ 25%
$1,746/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 24%
170,013
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

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lancaster, CA and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 124 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $156/month cheaper in Lancaster, saving renters about $1,872/year.

Median household income is $74,854/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lancaster is $409,100 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lancaster vs Naperville — common questions

Is Lancaster or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lancaster is cheaper to live in with an index of 124 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lancaster and Naperville?
Median rent in Lancaster is $1,696/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $156/month.
Which city has higher income, Lancaster or Naperville?
Median household income is $76,083 in Lancaster and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $74,854/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 Lancaster or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with median rent of $1,696/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 Lancaster details → View Naperville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lancaster and Naperville

Lancaster vs. Pembroke Pines Lancaster vs. Fort Collins Lancaster vs. Garden Grove Lancaster vs. Springfield Lancaster vs. Clarksville Lancaster vs. Palmdale Naperville vs. Surprise Naperville vs. Pasadena Naperville vs. Joliet Naperville vs. Mesquite Naperville vs. Jackson Naperville vs. Pomona