Cost of Living: Naperville, IL vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Naperville

Illinois
147
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Naperville is 153% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,852/mo ↑ 96%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 49%
$150,937/yr ↑ 170%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 63%
$509,900 ↑ 290%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 74%
$2,161/mo ↑ 132%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 57%
149,424
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

14.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Naperville, IL and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $905/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $10,860/year.

Median household income is $95,035/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Naperville is $509,900 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Naperville vs Topeka — common questions

Is Naperville or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Naperville and Topeka?
Median rent in Naperville is $1,852/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $905/month.
Which city has higher income, Naperville or Topeka?
Median household income is $150,937 in Naperville and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $95,035/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Kansas?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Naperville or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Naperville has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,852/mo, while Topeka has a cost index of 58 with rent of $947/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Naperville details → View Topeka details →

More Comparisons

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