Cost of Living: Naperville, IL vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Naperville

Illinois
147
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Naperville is 47% more expensive than Wilmington.

$1,852/mo ↑ 41%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 29%
$150,937/yr ↑ 136%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 58%
$509,900 ↑ 46%
Home Value
$350,300 ↓ 31%
$2,161/mo ↑ 58%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 37%
149,424
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Naperville, IL and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $541/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $6,492/year.

Median household income is $87,037/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Naperville is $509,900 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Wilmington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Naperville vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Naperville or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Naperville and Wilmington?
Median rent in Naperville is $1,852/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $541/month.
Which city has higher income, Naperville or Wilmington?
Median household income is $150,937 in Naperville and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $87,037/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and North Carolina?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Naperville or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Naperville has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,852/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Naperville details → View Wilmington details →

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