Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Naperville, IL (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Lexington is 44% cheaper than Naperville.

$1,101/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 68%
$67,631/yr ↓ 55%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 123%
$272,100 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$509,900 ↑ 87%
$1,160/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 86%
321,122
Population
149,424

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.83%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $751/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $9,012/year.

Median household income is $83,306/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

Kentucky has a lower income tax rate, making Lexington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Naperville — common questions

Is Lexington or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Naperville?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $751/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Naperville?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $83,306/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Illinois?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Lexington or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/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 Lexington details → View Naperville details →

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