Cost of Living: Norfolk, VA vs Naperville, IL (2026)

Norfolk

Virginia
89
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Norfolk is 39% cheaper than Naperville.

$1,246/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 49%
$64,017/yr ↓ 58%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 136%
$271,900 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$509,900 ↑ 88%
$1,366/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 58%
235,037
Population
149,424

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

23.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norfolk, VA and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $606/month cheaper in Norfolk, saving renters about $7,272/year.

Median household income is $86,920/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norfolk is $271,900 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Norfolk vs Naperville — common questions

Is Norfolk or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norfolk is cheaper to live in with an index of 89 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norfolk and Naperville?
Median rent in Norfolk is $1,246/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $606/month.
Which city has higher income, Norfolk or Naperville?
Median household income is $64,017 in Norfolk and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $86,920/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Illinois?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Norfolk or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,246/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 Norfolk details → View Naperville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Norfolk and Naperville

Norfolk vs. Arlington Norfolk vs. Enterprise Norfolk vs. Boise Norfolk vs. Spokane Norfolk vs. Scottsdale Norfolk vs. Santa Clarita Naperville vs. Surprise Naperville vs. Pasadena Naperville vs. Joliet Naperville vs. Mesquite Naperville vs. Jackson Naperville vs. Pomona