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

Naperville

Illinois
147
VS

Downey

California
169

Naperville is 13% cheaper than Downey.

$1,852/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 2%
$150,937/yr ↑ 73%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↓ 42%
$509,900 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 43%
$2,161/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↓ 8%
149,424
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Naperville, IL and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $63,537/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Naperville is $509,900 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Naperville vs Downey — common questions

Is Naperville or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Naperville is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Naperville and Downey?
Median rent in Naperville is $1,852/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $40/month.
Which city has higher income, Naperville or Downey?
Median household income is $150,937 in Naperville and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $63,537/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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Naperville has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,852/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Naperville details → View Downey details →

More Comparisons

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