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

Richmond

Virginia
98
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Richmond is 33% cheaper than Naperville.

$1,314/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 41%
$62,671/yr ↓ 58%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 141%
$328,100 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$509,900 ↑ 55%
$1,374/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 57%
227,595
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

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richmond, VA and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 98 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $538/month cheaper in Richmond, saving renters about $6,456/year.

Median household income is $88,266/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richmond is $328,100 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond vs Naperville — common questions

Is Richmond or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richmond is cheaper to live in with an index of 98 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richmond and Naperville?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,314/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $538/month.
Which city has higher income, Richmond or Naperville?
Median household income is $62,671 in Richmond and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $88,266/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 Richmond or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Richmond has a cost index of 98 with median rent of $1,314/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 Richmond details → View Naperville details →

More Comparisons

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