Cost of Living: Naperville, IL vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Naperville

Illinois
147
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Naperville is 116% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,852/mo ↑ 96%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 49%
$150,937/yr ↑ 174%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 63%
$509,900 ↑ 135%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 57%
$2,161/mo ↑ 122%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 55%
149,424
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.9%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

14.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Naperville, IL and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $906/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $10,872/year.

Median household income is $95,761/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Naperville is $509,900 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Naperville vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Naperville or Las Cruces cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Las Cruces is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Naperville and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Naperville is $1,852/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $906/month.
Which city has higher income, Naperville or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $150,937 in Naperville and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $95,761/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and New Mexico?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Naperville or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Naperville has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,852/mo, while Las Cruces has a cost index of 68 with rent of $946/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Naperville details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Naperville and Las Cruces

Naperville vs. Surprise Naperville vs. Pasadena Naperville vs. Joliet Naperville vs. Mesquite Naperville vs. Jackson Naperville vs. Pomona Las Cruces vs. Gresham Las Cruces vs. Lansing Las Cruces vs. Beaumont Las Cruces vs. Pompano Beach Las Cruces vs. Springfield Las Cruces vs. Peoria