Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Naperville, IL (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Mesa is 27% cheaper than Naperville.

$1,478/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 25%
$78,779/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 92%
$364,300 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$509,900 ↑ 40%
$1,404/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 54%
507,478
Population
149,424

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $374/month cheaper in Mesa, saving renters about $4,488/year.

Median household income is $72,158/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Mesa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Naperville — common questions

Is Mesa or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Naperville?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $374/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Naperville?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $72,158/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Illinois?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Naperville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesa and Naperville

Mesa vs. Kansas City Mesa vs. Atlanta Mesa vs. Sacramento Mesa vs. Omaha Mesa vs. Tucson Mesa vs. Colorado Springs Naperville vs. Surprise Naperville vs. Pasadena Naperville vs. Joliet Naperville vs. Mesquite Naperville vs. Jackson Naperville vs. Pomona