Cost of Living: Naperville, IL vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Naperville

Illinois
147
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Naperville is 91% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,852/mo ↑ 74%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 42%
$150,937/yr ↑ 146%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 59%
$509,900 ↑ 103%
Home Value
$251,300 ↓ 51%
$2,161/mo ↑ 104%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 51%
149,424
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Naperville, IL and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $787/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $9,444/year.

Median household income is $89,483/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Naperville is $509,900 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making Lafayette slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Naperville vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Naperville or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Naperville and Lafayette?
Median rent in Naperville is $1,852/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $787/month.
Which city has higher income, Naperville or Lafayette?
Median household income is $150,937 in Naperville and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $89,483/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Louisiana?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Naperville or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Naperville has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,852/mo, while Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with rent of $1,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Naperville details → View Lafayette details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Naperville and Lafayette

Naperville vs. Surprise Naperville vs. Pasadena Naperville vs. Joliet Naperville vs. Mesquite Naperville vs. Jackson Naperville vs. Pomona Lafayette vs. Rochester Lafayette vs. Ann Arbor Lafayette vs. Independence Lafayette vs. Berkeley Lafayette vs. College Station Lafayette vs. Fairfield