Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Naperville, IL (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Newark is 32% cheaper than Naperville.

$1,330/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 39%
$48,416/yr ↓ 68%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 212%
$337,800 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$509,900 ↑ 51%
$1,419/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 52%
307,188
Population
149,424

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.23%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $522/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $6,264/year.

Median household income is $102,521/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Naperville — common questions

Is Newark or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Naperville?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $522/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Naperville?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $102,521/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Illinois?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/mo, while Naperville has a cost index of 147 with rent of $1,852/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Newark details → View Naperville details →

More Comparisons

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