Cost of Living: Naperville, IL vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Naperville

Illinois
147
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Naperville is 40% more expensive than Clearwater.

$1,852/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↓ 17%
$150,937/yr ↑ 134%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 57%
$509,900 ↑ 56%
Home Value
$326,100 ↓ 36%
$2,161/mo ↑ 53%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↓ 35%
149,424
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

14.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Naperville, IL and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $313/month cheaper in Clearwater, saving renters about $3,756/year.

Median household income is $86,497/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Naperville is $509,900 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Clearwater residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Naperville vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Naperville or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clearwater is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Naperville and Clearwater?
Median rent in Naperville is $1,852/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $313/month.
Which city has higher income, Naperville or Clearwater?
Median household income is $150,937 in Naperville and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $86,497/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Florida?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Naperville or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Naperville has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,852/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Naperville details → View Clearwater details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Naperville and Clearwater

Naperville vs. Surprise Naperville vs. Pasadena Naperville vs. Joliet Naperville vs. Mesquite Naperville vs. Jackson Naperville vs. Pomona Clearwater vs. North Charleston Clearwater vs. Lakeland Clearwater vs. Cambridge Clearwater vs. The Woodlands Clearwater vs. Richardson Clearwater vs. Evansville