Cost of Living: Naperville, IL vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Naperville

Illinois
147
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Naperville is 31% more expensive than Elizabeth.

$1,852/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↓ 21%
$150,937/yr ↑ 136%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 58%
$509,900 ↑ 30%
Home Value
$393,500 ↓ 23%
$2,161/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↓ 29%
149,424
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
10.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
2.07%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

14.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Naperville, IL and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $389/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $4,668/year.

Median household income is $87,063/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Naperville is $509,900 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Naperville vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Naperville or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Naperville and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Naperville is $1,852/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $389/month.
Which city has higher income, Naperville or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $150,937 in Naperville and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $87,063/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and New Jersey?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Naperville or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Naperville has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,852/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Naperville details → View Elizabeth details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Naperville and Elizabeth

Naperville vs. Surprise Naperville vs. Pasadena Naperville vs. Joliet Naperville vs. Mesquite Naperville vs. Jackson Naperville vs. Pomona Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland