Cost of Living: Naperville, IL vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Naperville

Illinois
147
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Naperville is 126% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,852/mo ↑ 100%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 50%
$150,937/yr ↑ 122%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↓ 55%
$509,900 ↑ 188%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 65%
$2,161/mo ↑ 99%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 50%
149,424
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

14.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Naperville, IL and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $927/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $11,124/year.

Median household income is $83,078/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Naperville is $509,900 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Naperville vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Naperville or Cedar Rapids cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cedar Rapids is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Naperville and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Naperville is $1,852/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $927/month.
Which city has higher income, Naperville or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $150,937 in Naperville and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $83,078/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Iowa?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Naperville or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Naperville has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,852/mo, while Cedar Rapids has a cost index of 65 with rent of $925/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Naperville details → View Cedar Rapids details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Naperville and Cedar Rapids

Naperville vs. Surprise Naperville vs. Pasadena Naperville vs. Joliet Naperville vs. Mesquite Naperville vs. Jackson Naperville vs. Pomona Cedar Rapids vs. Hampton Cedar Rapids vs. Dayton Cedar Rapids vs. West Valley City Cedar Rapids vs. Pasadena Cedar Rapids vs. Columbia Cedar Rapids vs. Miramar