Cost of Living: Naperville, IL vs Manchester, NH (2026)

Naperville

Illinois
147
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Naperville is 39% more expensive than Manchester.

$1,852/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↓ 21%
$150,937/yr ↑ 95%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↓ 49%
$509,900 ↑ 52%
Home Value
$336,300 ↓ 34%
$2,161/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↓ 28%
149,424
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
0%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.86%

Affordability

14.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Naperville, IL and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $387/month cheaper in Manchester, saving renters about $4,644/year.

Median household income is $73,522/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Naperville is $509,900 compared to $336,300 in Manchester.

New Hampshire has no state income tax, giving Manchester residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Naperville vs Manchester — common questions

Is Naperville or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Manchester is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Naperville and Manchester?
Median rent in Naperville is $1,852/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $387/month.
Which city has higher income, Naperville or Manchester?
Median household income is $150,937 in Naperville and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $73,522/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and New Hampshire?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. New Hampshire has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax.
Should I move to Naperville or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Naperville has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,852/mo, while Manchester has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,465/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Naperville details → View Manchester details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Naperville and Manchester

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