Cost of Living: Naperville, IL vs Kent, WA (2026)

Naperville

Illinois
147
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Naperville and Kent have a similar cost of living.

$1,852/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↓ 1%
$150,937/yr ↑ 67%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↓ 40%
$509,900 ↓ 5%
Home Value
$537,500 ↑ 5%
$2,161/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↓ 11%
149,424
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

14.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Naperville, IL and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $60,521/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Naperville is $509,900 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Naperville vs Kent — common questions

Is Naperville or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kent is cheaper to live in with an index of 145 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Naperville and Kent?
Median rent in Naperville is $1,852/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $19/month.
Which city has higher income, Naperville or Kent?
Median household income is $150,937 in Naperville and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $60,521/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Washington?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Naperville or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Naperville has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,852/mo, while Kent has a cost index of 145 with rent of $1,833/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Naperville details → View Kent details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Naperville and Kent

Naperville vs. Surprise Naperville vs. Pasadena Naperville vs. Joliet Naperville vs. Mesquite Naperville vs. Jackson Naperville vs. Pomona Kent vs. Stamford Kent vs. Midland Kent vs. Elizabeth Kent vs. Coral Springs Kent vs. Victorville Kent vs. Sterling Heights