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

Naperville

Illinois
147
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Naperville is 36% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,852/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 29%
$150,937/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↓ 27%
$509,900 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 107%
$2,161/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 14%
149,424
Population
110,538

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Naperville, IL and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $543/month cheaper in Naperville, saving renters about $6,516/year.

Median household income is $40,864/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Naperville is $509,900 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Naperville vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Naperville or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Naperville is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Naperville and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Naperville is $1,852/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $543/month.
Which city has higher income, Naperville or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $150,937 in Naperville and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $40,864/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 Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Naperville has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,852/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Naperville details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Naperville and Costa Mesa

Naperville vs. Surprise Naperville vs. Pasadena Naperville vs. Joliet Naperville vs. Mesquite Naperville vs. Jackson Naperville vs. Pomona Costa Mesa vs. Everett Costa Mesa vs. Temecula Costa Mesa vs. Miami Gardens Costa Mesa vs. Ventura Costa Mesa vs. Pueblo Costa Mesa vs. Santa Maria