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

Naperville

Illinois
147
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Naperville is 41% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,852/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 15%
$150,937/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↓ 28%
$509,900 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 165%
$2,161/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 8%
149,424
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

14.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Naperville, IL and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $275/month cheaper in Naperville, saving renters about $3,300/year.

Median household income is $42,379/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Naperville is $509,900 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Naperville vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Naperville or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Naperville is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Naperville and Berkeley?
Median rent in Naperville is $1,852/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $275/month.
Which city has higher income, Naperville or Berkeley?
Median household income is $150,937 in Naperville and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $42,379/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and California?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Naperville or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Naperville has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,852/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Naperville details → View Berkeley details →

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