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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Oakland is 33% more expensive than Naperville.

$1,917/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↓ 3%
$97,369/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 55%
$924,700 ↑ 81%
Home Value
$509,900 ↓ 45%
$2,164/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ≈ Same
438,072
Population
149,424

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $65/month cheaper in Naperville, saving renters about $780/year.

Median household income is $53,568/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Naperville — common questions

Is Oakland or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Naperville is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Naperville?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $65/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Naperville?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $53,568/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between California and Illinois?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Oakland or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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 Oakland details → View Naperville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Oakland and Naperville

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