Cost of Living: Naperville, IL vs Stamford, CT (2026)

Naperville

Illinois
147
VS

Stamford

Connecticut
172

Naperville is 15% cheaper than Stamford.

$1,852/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$2,207/mo ↑ 19%
$150,937/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$107,474/yr ↓ 29%
$509,900 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$614,300 ↑ 20%
$2,161/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$2,358/mo ↑ 9%
149,424
Population
135,806

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
2.07%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

14.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Naperville, IL and Stamford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $355/month cheaper in Naperville, saving renters about $4,260/year.

Median household income is $43,463/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Naperville is $509,900 compared to $614,300 in Stamford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Naperville vs Stamford — common questions

Is Naperville or Stamford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Naperville is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Naperville and Stamford?
Median rent in Naperville is $1,852/month and in Stamford it's $2,207/month — a difference of $355/month.
Which city has higher income, Naperville or Stamford?
Median household income is $150,937 in Naperville and $107,474 in Stamford. Median household income is $43,463/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Connecticut?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Naperville or Stamford?
It depends on your priorities. Naperville has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,852/mo, while Stamford has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,207/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Naperville details → View Stamford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Naperville and Stamford

Naperville vs. Surprise Naperville vs. Pasadena Naperville vs. Joliet Naperville vs. Mesquite Naperville vs. Jackson Naperville vs. Pomona Stamford vs. Elizabeth Stamford vs. Kent Stamford vs. Victorville Stamford vs. Midland Stamford vs. Miramar Stamford vs. Coral Springs