Cost of Living: Naperville, IL vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Naperville

Illinois
147
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Naperville is 24% more expensive than Lowell.

$1,852/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 13%
$150,937/yr ↑ 98%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 50%
$509,900 ↑ 29%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 23%
$2,161/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 23%
149,424
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

14.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Naperville, IL and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $249/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $2,988/year.

Median household income is $74,732/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Naperville is $509,900 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Naperville vs Lowell — common questions

Is Naperville or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Naperville and Lowell?
Median rent in Naperville is $1,852/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $249/month.
Which city has higher income, Naperville or Lowell?
Median household income is $150,937 in Naperville and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $74,732/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Massachusetts?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Naperville or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Naperville has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,852/mo, while Lowell has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,603/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Naperville details → View Lowell details →

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