Cost of Living: Providence, RI vs Naperville, IL (2026)

Providence

Rhode Island
99
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Providence is 33% cheaper than Naperville.

$1,333/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 39%
$66,772/yr ↓ 56%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 126%
$322,800 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$509,900 ↑ 58%
$1,467/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 47%
190,214
Population
149,424

Tax Comparison

5.99%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.53%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Providence, RI and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 99 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $519/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $6,228/year.

Median household income is $84,165/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Providence is $322,800 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Providence vs Naperville — common questions

Is Providence or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Providence and Naperville?
Median rent in Providence is $1,333/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $519/month.
Which city has higher income, Providence or Naperville?
Median household income is $66,772 in Providence and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $84,165/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Rhode Island and Illinois?
Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Providence or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Providence has a cost index of 99 with median rent of $1,333/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 Providence details → View Naperville details →

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