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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Sacramento is 10% cheaper than Naperville.

$1,694/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 9%
$83,753/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 80%
$484,600 ↓ 5%
Home Value
$509,900 ↑ 5%
$1,752/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 23%
524,802
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $158/month cheaper in Sacramento, saving renters about $1,896/year.

Median household income is $67,184/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Naperville — common questions

Is Sacramento or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sacramento is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Naperville?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $158/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Naperville?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $67,184/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 Sacramento or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Naperville details →

More Comparisons

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Sacramento vs. Tucson Sacramento vs. Kansas City Sacramento vs. Fresno Sacramento vs. Mesa Sacramento vs. Albuquerque Sacramento vs. Atlanta Naperville vs. Surprise Naperville vs. Pasadena Naperville vs. Joliet Naperville vs. Mesquite Naperville vs. Jackson Naperville vs. Pomona