Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Naperville, IL (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Madison is 30% cheaper than Naperville.

$1,364/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 36%
$76,983/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 96%
$346,900 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$509,900 ↑ 47%
$1,476/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 46%
275,568
Population
149,424

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.61%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $488/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $5,856/year.

Median household income is $73,954/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Naperville — common questions

Is Madison or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Naperville?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $488/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Naperville?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $73,954/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Illinois?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/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 Madison details → View Naperville details →

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