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

Naperville

Illinois
147
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

Naperville is 42% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$1,852/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 45%
$150,937/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↓ 8%
$509,900 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 127%
$2,161/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 30%
149,424
Population
114,500

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Naperville, IL and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $826/month cheaper in Naperville, saving renters about $9,912/year.

Median household income is $11,611/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Naperville is $509,900 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Naperville vs Carlsbad — common questions

Is Naperville or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Naperville is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Naperville and Carlsbad?
Median rent in Naperville is $1,852/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $826/month.
Which city has higher income, Naperville or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $150,937 in Naperville and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $11,611/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 Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. Naperville has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,852/mo, while Carlsbad has a cost index of 253 with rent of $2,678/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Naperville details → View Carlsbad details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Naperville and Carlsbad

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