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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

San Francisco is 82% more expensive than Naperville.

$2,419/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↓ 23%
$141,446/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 7%
$1,380,500 ↑ 171%
Home Value
$509,900 ↓ 63%
$2,620/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↓ 18%
836,321
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

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $567/month cheaper in Naperville, saving renters about $6,804/year.

Median household income is $9,491/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco vs Naperville — common questions

Is San Francisco or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Naperville is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Naperville?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $567/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Naperville?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $9,491/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 Francisco or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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 Francisco details → View Naperville details →

More Comparisons

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