Cost of Living: Naperville, IL vs Syracuse, NY (2026)

Naperville

Illinois
147
VS

Syracuse

New York
59

Naperville is 149% more expensive than Syracuse.

$1,852/mo ↑ 86%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 46%
$150,937/yr ↑ 229%
Median Income
$45,845/yr ↓ 70%
$509,900 ↑ 308%
Home Value
$125,100 ↓ 75%
$2,161/mo ↑ 121%
Owner Costs
$980/mo ↓ 55%
149,424
Population
146,211

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
10.9%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

14.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Naperville, IL and Syracuse, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 59 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $854/month cheaper in Syracuse, saving renters about $10,248/year.

Median household income is $105,092/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Naperville is $509,900 compared to $125,100 in Syracuse.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Naperville vs Syracuse — common questions

Is Naperville or Syracuse cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Naperville and Syracuse?
Median rent in Naperville is $1,852/month and in Syracuse it's $998/month — a difference of $854/month.
Which city has higher income, Naperville or Syracuse?
Median household income is $150,937 in Naperville and $45,845 in Syracuse. Median household income is $105,092/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and New York?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Naperville or Syracuse?
It depends on your priorities. Naperville has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,852/mo, while Syracuse has a cost index of 59 with rent of $998/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Naperville details → View Syracuse details →

More Comparisons

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