Cost of Living: Naperville, IL vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Naperville

Illinois
147
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Naperville is 86% more expensive than Dearborn.

$1,852/mo ↑ 47%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↓ 32%
$150,937/yr ↑ 132%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↓ 57%
$509,900 ↑ 148%
Home Value
$205,900 ↓ 60%
$2,161/mo ↑ 84%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↓ 46%
149,424
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

14.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Naperville, IL and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $588/month cheaper in Dearborn, saving renters about $7,056/year.

Median household income is $85,745/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Naperville is $509,900 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Dearborn slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Naperville vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Naperville or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dearborn is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Naperville and Dearborn?
Median rent in Naperville is $1,852/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $588/month.
Which city has higher income, Naperville or Dearborn?
Median household income is $150,937 in Naperville and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $85,745/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Michigan?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Naperville or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Naperville has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,852/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Naperville details → View Dearborn details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Naperville and Dearborn

Naperville vs. Surprise Naperville vs. Pasadena Naperville vs. Joliet Naperville vs. Mesquite Naperville vs. Jackson Naperville vs. Pomona Dearborn vs. Sparks Dearborn vs. Riverview Dearborn vs. South Fulton Dearborn vs. Tyler Dearborn vs. Greeley Dearborn vs. Tuscaloosa