Cost of Living: Naperville, IL vs Thousand Oaks, CA (2026)

Naperville

Illinois
147
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Naperville is 35% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$1,852/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 39%
$150,937/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↓ 11%
$509,900 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 87%
$2,161/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 26%
149,424
Population
125,676

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
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Naperville, IL and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $728/month cheaper in Naperville, saving renters about $8,736/year.

Median household income is $16,570/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Naperville is $509,900 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Naperville vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Naperville or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Naperville is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Naperville and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Naperville is $1,852/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $728/month.
Which city has higher income, Naperville or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $150,937 in Naperville and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $16,570/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 Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Naperville has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,852/mo, while Thousand Oaks has a cost index of 226 with rent of $2,580/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Naperville details → View Thousand Oaks details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Naperville and Thousand Oaks

Naperville vs. Surprise Naperville vs. Pasadena Naperville vs. Joliet Naperville vs. Mesquite Naperville vs. Jackson Naperville vs. Pomona Thousand Oaks vs. Simi Valley Thousand Oaks vs. Allentown Thousand Oaks vs. Pearland Thousand Oaks vs. Palm Bay Thousand Oaks vs. Topeka Thousand Oaks vs. Meridian