Cost of Living: Naperville, IL vs Orange, CA (2026)

Naperville

Illinois
147
VS

Orange

California
206

Naperville is 29% cheaper than Orange.

$1,852/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 22%
$150,937/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↓ 23%
$509,900 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 77%
$2,161/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 11%
149,424
Population
138,723

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

14.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Naperville, IL and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $400/month cheaper in Naperville, saving renters about $4,800/year.

Median household income is $33,992/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Naperville is $509,900 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Naperville vs Orange — common questions

Is Naperville or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Naperville is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Naperville and Orange?
Median rent in Naperville is $1,852/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $400/month.
Which city has higher income, Naperville or Orange?
Median household income is $150,937 in Naperville and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $33,992/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and California?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Naperville or Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Naperville has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,852/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Naperville details → View Orange details →

More Comparisons

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