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

Riverside

California
144
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Riverside is 2% cheaper than Naperville.

$1,812/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 2%
$88,575/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 70%
$542,100 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$509,900 ↓ 6%
$1,880/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 15%
316,241
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

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $62,362/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Riverside vs Naperville — common questions

Is Riverside or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Riverside is cheaper to live in with an index of 144 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Riverside and Naperville?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $40/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or Naperville?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $62,362/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 Riverside or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/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 Riverside details → View Naperville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Riverside and Naperville

Riverside vs. Corpus Christi Riverside vs. Orlando Riverside vs. Stockton Riverside vs. Santa Ana Riverside vs. Lexington Riverside vs. Cincinnati Naperville vs. Surprise Naperville vs. Pasadena Naperville vs. Joliet Naperville vs. Mesquite Naperville vs. Jackson Naperville vs. Pomona