Cost of Living: Naperville, IL vs North Charleston, SC (2026)

Naperville

Illinois
147
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Naperville is 62% more expensive than North Charleston.

$1,852/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 26%
$150,937/yr ↑ 140%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 58%
$509,900 ↑ 90%
Home Value
$267,700 ↓ 47%
$2,161/mo ↑ 65%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 39%
149,424
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

14.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Naperville, IL and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $488/month cheaper in North Charleston, saving renters about $5,856/year.

Median household income is $88,148/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Naperville is $509,900 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Naperville vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Naperville or North Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, North Charleston is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Naperville and North Charleston?
Median rent in Naperville is $1,852/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $488/month.
Which city has higher income, Naperville or North Charleston?
Median household income is $150,937 in Naperville and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $88,148/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and South Carolina?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Naperville or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Naperville has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,852/mo, while North Charleston has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,364/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Naperville details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Naperville and North Charleston

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