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

Naperville

Illinois
147
VS

Torrance

California
218

Naperville is 33% cheaper than Torrance.

$1,852/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$2,214/mo ↑ 20%
$150,937/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$113,105/yr ↓ 25%
$509,900 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$1,036,600 ↑ 103%
$2,161/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$2,295/mo ↑ 6%
149,424
Population
143,499

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Naperville, IL and Torrance, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 218 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $362/month cheaper in Naperville, saving renters about $4,344/year.

Median household income is $37,832/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Naperville is $509,900 compared to $1,036,600 in Torrance.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Naperville vs Torrance — common questions

Is Naperville or Torrance cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Naperville is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 218 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Naperville and Torrance?
Median rent in Naperville is $1,852/month and in Torrance it's $2,214/month — a difference of $362/month.
Which city has higher income, Naperville or Torrance?
Median household income is $150,937 in Naperville and $113,105 in Torrance. Median household income is $37,832/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 Torrance?
It depends on your priorities. Naperville has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,852/mo, while Torrance has a cost index of 218 with rent of $2,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Naperville details → View Torrance details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Naperville and Torrance

Naperville vs. Surprise Naperville vs. Pasadena Naperville vs. Joliet Naperville vs. Mesquite Naperville vs. Jackson Naperville vs. Pomona Torrance vs. Gainesville Torrance vs. Thornton Torrance vs. Olathe Torrance vs. Visalia Torrance vs. McAllen Torrance vs. Waco