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

Naperville

Illinois
147
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Naperville is 52% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,852/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 61%
$150,937/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 15%
$509,900 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 200%
$2,161/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 41%
149,424
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Naperville, IL and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,133/month cheaper in Naperville, saving renters about $13,596/year.

Median household income is $22,733/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Naperville is $509,900 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Naperville vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Naperville or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Naperville is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Naperville and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Naperville is $1,852/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,133/month.
Which city has higher income, Naperville or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $150,937 in Naperville and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $22,733/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Naperville has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,852/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Naperville details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Naperville and Santa Clara

Naperville vs. Surprise Naperville vs. Pasadena Naperville vs. Joliet Naperville vs. Mesquite Naperville vs. Jackson Naperville vs. Pomona Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville