Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Naperville, IL (2026)

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Salt Lake City is 20% cheaper than Naperville.

$1,343/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 38%
$74,925/yr ↓ 50%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 101%
$495,700 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$509,900 ↑ 3%
$1,394/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 55%
203,888
Population
149,424

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.58%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $509/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $6,108/year.

Median household income is $76,012/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Salt Lake City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Naperville — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salt Lake City is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Naperville?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $509/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Naperville?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $76,012/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Utah and Illinois?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/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 Salt Lake City details → View Naperville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Salt Lake City and Naperville

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