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

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Louisville is 50% cheaper than Naperville.

$1,069/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 73%
$64,731/yr ↓ 57%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 133%
$221,500 ↓ 57%
Home Value
$509,900 ↑ 130%
$1,118/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 93%
627,210
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

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $783/month cheaper in Louisville, saving renters about $9,396/year.

Median household income is $86,206/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs Naperville — common questions

Is Louisville or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Louisville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Louisville and Naperville?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $783/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Naperville?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $86,206/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 Louisville or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/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 Louisville details → View Naperville details →

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