Cost of Living: Salem, OR vs Naperville, IL (2026)

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Salem is 29% cheaper than Naperville.

$1,323/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 40%
$71,900/yr ↓ 52%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 110%
$382,400 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$509,900 ↑ 33%
$1,440/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 50%
176,666
Population
149,424

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
4.95%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.93%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $529/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $6,348/year.

Median household income is $79,037/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Naperville — common questions

Is Salem or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Naperville?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $529/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Naperville?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $79,037/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Illinois?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Salem or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/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 Salem details → View Naperville details →

More Comparisons

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