Cost of Living: Rochester, NY vs Naperville, IL (2026)

Rochester

New York
61
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Rochester is 59% cheaper than Naperville.

$1,039/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 78%
$46,628/yr ↓ 69%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 224%
$120,600 ↓ 76%
Home Value
$509,900 ↑ 323%
$1,009/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 114%
209,720
Population
149,424

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.62%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Rochester, NY and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $813/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $9,756/year.

Median household income is $104,309/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Rochester is $120,600 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Rochester vs Naperville — common questions

Is Rochester or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Rochester and Naperville?
Median rent in Rochester is $1,039/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $813/month.
Which city has higher income, Rochester or Naperville?
Median household income is $46,628 in Rochester and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $104,309/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between New York and Illinois?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Rochester or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Rochester has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $1,039/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 Rochester details → View Naperville details →

More Comparisons

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