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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Modesto is 18% cheaper than Naperville.

$1,609/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 15%
$77,899/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 94%
$415,600 ↓ 18%
Home Value
$509,900 ↑ 23%
$1,613/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 34%
218,614
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

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $243/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $2,916/year.

Median household income is $73,038/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Naperville — common questions

Is Modesto or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Naperville?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $243/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Naperville?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $73,038/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 Modesto or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Naperville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and Naperville

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Naperville vs. Surprise Naperville vs. Pasadena Naperville vs. Joliet Naperville vs. Mesquite Naperville vs. Jackson Naperville vs. Pomona