Cost of Living: Naperville, IL vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Naperville

Illinois
147
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Naperville is 58% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,852/mo ↑ 41%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 29%
$150,937/yr ↑ 72%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↓ 42%
$509,900 ↑ 77%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 44%
$2,161/mo ↑ 62%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 38%
149,424
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
9.85%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

14.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Naperville, IL and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $536/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $6,432/year.

Median household income is $63,170/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Naperville is $509,900 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Naperville vs Rochester — common questions

Is Naperville or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Naperville and Rochester?
Median rent in Naperville is $1,852/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $536/month.
Which city has higher income, Naperville or Rochester?
Median household income is $150,937 in Naperville and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $63,170/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Minnesota?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Naperville or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Naperville has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,852/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Naperville details → View Rochester details →

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