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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Los Angeles is 27% more expensive than Naperville.

$1,879/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↓ 1%
$80,366/yr ↓ 47%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 88%
$879,500 ↑ 72%
Home Value
$509,900 ↓ 42%
$2,055/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 5%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $70,571/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Naperville — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Naperville is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Naperville?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $27/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Naperville?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $70,571/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 Los Angeles or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Naperville details →

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