Cost of Living: Naperville, IL vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Naperville

Illinois
147
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Naperville is 12% more expensive than Meridian.

$1,852/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↓ 7%
$150,937/yr ↑ 53%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↓ 35%
$509,900 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$485,000 ↓ 5%
$2,161/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↓ 26%
149,424
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.8%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Naperville, IL and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $138/month cheaper in Meridian, saving renters about $1,656/year.

Median household income is $52,251/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Naperville is $509,900 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Naperville vs Meridian — common questions

Is Naperville or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Meridian is cheaper to live in with an index of 131 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Naperville and Meridian?
Median rent in Naperville is $1,852/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $138/month.
Which city has higher income, Naperville or Meridian?
Median household income is $150,937 in Naperville and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $52,251/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Idaho?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Naperville or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Naperville has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,852/mo, while Meridian has a cost index of 131 with rent of $1,714/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Naperville details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Naperville and Meridian

Naperville vs. Surprise Naperville vs. Pasadena Naperville vs. Joliet Naperville vs. Mesquite Naperville vs. Jackson Naperville vs. Pomona Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord