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

Naperville

Illinois
147
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Naperville is 7% more expensive than Santa Maria.

$1,852/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ≈ Same
$150,937/yr ↑ 78%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↓ 44%
$509,900 ↑ 7%
Home Value
$478,200 ↓ 6%
$2,161/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↓ 17%
149,424
Population
109,880

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Naperville, IL and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $66,320/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Naperville is $509,900 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Naperville vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Naperville or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Santa Maria is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Naperville and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Naperville is $1,852/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $10/month.
Which city has higher income, Naperville or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $150,937 in Naperville and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $66,320/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 Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Naperville has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,852/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Naperville details → View Santa Maria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Naperville and Santa Maria

Naperville vs. Surprise Naperville vs. Pasadena Naperville vs. Joliet Naperville vs. Mesquite Naperville vs. Jackson Naperville vs. Pomona Santa Maria vs. Ventura Santa Maria vs. Sugar Land Santa Maria vs. Temecula Santa Maria vs. Greeley Santa Maria vs. Costa Mesa Santa Maria vs. South Fulton