Cost of Living: Naperville, IL vs High Point, NC (2026)

Naperville

Illinois
147
VS

High Point

North Carolina
73

Naperville is 101% more expensive than High Point.

$1,852/mo ↑ 74%
Median Rent
$1,062/mo ↓ 43%
$150,937/yr ↑ 147%
Median Income
$61,228/yr ↓ 59%
$509,900 ↑ 140%
Home Value
$212,400 ↓ 58%
$2,161/mo ↑ 99%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 50%
149,424
Population
115,263

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

14.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Naperville, IL and High Point, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $790/month cheaper in High Point, saving renters about $9,480/year.

Median household income is $89,709/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Naperville is $509,900 compared to $212,400 in High Point.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making High Point slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Naperville vs High Point — common questions

Is Naperville or High Point cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, High Point is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Naperville and High Point?
Median rent in Naperville is $1,852/month and in High Point it's $1,062/month — a difference of $790/month.
Which city has higher income, Naperville or High Point?
Median household income is $150,937 in Naperville and $61,228 in High Point. Median household income is $89,709/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and North Carolina?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Naperville or High Point?
It depends on your priorities. Naperville has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,852/mo, while High Point has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,062/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Naperville details → View High Point details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Naperville and High Point

Naperville vs. Surprise Naperville vs. Pasadena Naperville vs. Joliet Naperville vs. Mesquite Naperville vs. Jackson Naperville vs. Pomona High Point vs. Richmond High Point vs. League City High Point vs. Manchester High Point vs. Lowell High Point vs. Westminster High Point vs. East Los Angeles