Cost of Living: Naperville, IL vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Naperville

Illinois
147
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Naperville is 38% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,852/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 48%
$150,937/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↓ 16%
$509,900 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 104%
$2,161/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 22%
149,424
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

14.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Naperville, IL and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $890/month cheaper in Naperville, saving renters about $10,680/year.

Median household income is $24,468/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Naperville is $509,900 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Naperville vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Naperville or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Naperville is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Naperville and Cambridge?
Median rent in Naperville is $1,852/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $890/month.
Which city has higher income, Naperville or Cambridge?
Median household income is $150,937 in Naperville and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $24,468/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Massachusetts?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Naperville or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Naperville has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,852/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Naperville details → View Cambridge details →

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