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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

San Diego is 34% more expensive than Naperville.

$2,223/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↓ 17%
$104,321/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 45%
$848,500 ↑ 66%
Home Value
$509,900 ↓ 40%
$2,308/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↓ 6%
1,385,061
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $371/month cheaper in Naperville, saving renters about $4,452/year.

Median household income is $46,616/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Naperville — common questions

Is San Diego or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Naperville is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Naperville?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $371/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Naperville?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $46,616/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 San Diego or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 San Diego details → View Naperville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Diego and Naperville

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