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

Naperville

Illinois
147
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Naperville is 12% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,852/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 18%
$150,937/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↓ 32%
$509,900 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 16%
$2,161/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 3%
149,424
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Naperville, IL and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $339/month cheaper in Naperville, saving renters about $4,068/year.

Median household income is $48,616/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Naperville is $509,900 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Naperville vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Naperville or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Naperville is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Naperville and Fairfield?
Median rent in Naperville is $1,852/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $339/month.
Which city has higher income, Naperville or Fairfield?
Median household income is $150,937 in Naperville and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $48,616/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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Naperville has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,852/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Naperville details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Naperville and Fairfield

Naperville vs. Surprise Naperville vs. Pasadena Naperville vs. Joliet Naperville vs. Mesquite Naperville vs. Jackson Naperville vs. Pomona Fairfield vs. Berkeley Fairfield vs. Hartford Fairfield vs. Ann Arbor Fairfield vs. West Palm Beach Fairfield vs. Lafayette Fairfield vs. Spring Hill