Cost of Living: Naperville, IL vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Naperville

Illinois
147
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Naperville is 79% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,852/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↓ 30%
$150,937/yr ↑ 148%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 60%
$509,900 ↑ 123%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 55%
$2,161/mo ↑ 88%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 47%
149,424
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

14.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Naperville, IL and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $553/month cheaper in Lakeland, saving renters about $6,636/year.

Median household income is $89,990/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Naperville is $509,900 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Naperville vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Naperville or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Naperville and Lakeland?
Median rent in Naperville is $1,852/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $553/month.
Which city has higher income, Naperville or Lakeland?
Median household income is $150,937 in Naperville and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $89,990/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Florida?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Naperville or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Naperville has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,852/mo, while Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,299/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Naperville details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Naperville and Lakeland

Naperville vs. Surprise Naperville vs. Pasadena Naperville vs. Joliet Naperville vs. Mesquite Naperville vs. Jackson Naperville vs. Pomona Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon