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

Naperville

Illinois
147
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Naperville is 33% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,852/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 20%
$150,937/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↓ 31%
$509,900 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 105%
$2,161/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 8%
149,424
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Naperville, IL and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $366/month cheaper in Naperville, saving renters about $4,392/year.

Median household income is $47,159/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Naperville is $509,900 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Naperville vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Naperville or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Naperville is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Naperville and Pasadena?
Median rent in Naperville is $1,852/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $366/month.
Which city has higher income, Naperville or Pasadena?
Median household income is $150,937 in Naperville and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $47,159/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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Naperville has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,852/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Naperville details → View Pasadena details →

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