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

Naperville

Illinois
147
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Naperville is 25% cheaper than Fullerton.

$1,852/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 15%
$150,937/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↓ 31%
$509,900 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 69%
$2,161/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 4%
149,424
Population
141,278

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Naperville, IL and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $272/month cheaper in Naperville, saving renters about $3,264/year.

Median household income is $46,718/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Naperville is $509,900 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Naperville vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Naperville or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Naperville is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Naperville and Fullerton?
Median rent in Naperville is $1,852/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $272/month.
Which city has higher income, Naperville or Fullerton?
Median household income is $150,937 in Naperville and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $46,718/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 Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Naperville has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,852/mo, while Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with rent of $2,124/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Naperville details → View Fullerton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Naperville and Fullerton

Naperville vs. Surprise Naperville vs. Pasadena Naperville vs. Joliet Naperville vs. Mesquite Naperville vs. Jackson Naperville vs. Pomona Fullerton vs. Waco Fullerton vs. Metairie Fullerton vs. Visalia Fullerton vs. Orange Fullerton vs. Thornton Fullerton vs. Warren