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

San Jose

California
254
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

San Jose is 73% more expensive than Naperville.

$2,617/mo ↑ 41%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↓ 29%
$141,565/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 7%
$1,187,800 ↑ 133%
Home Value
$509,900 ↓ 57%
$2,775/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↓ 22%
990,054
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

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Jose, CA and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 254 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $765/month cheaper in Naperville, saving renters about $9,180/year.

Median household income is $9,372/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Jose is $1,187,800 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Jose vs Naperville — common questions

Is San Jose or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Naperville is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Jose and Naperville?
Median rent in San Jose is $2,617/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $765/month.
Which city has higher income, San Jose or Naperville?
Median household income is $141,565 in San Jose and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $9,372/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 Jose or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. San Jose has a cost index of 254 with median rent of $2,617/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 Jose details → View Naperville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Jose and Naperville

San Jose vs. Dallas San Jose vs. Austin San Jose vs. San Diego San Jose vs. Jacksonville San Jose vs. San Antonio San Jose vs. Fort Worth Naperville vs. Surprise Naperville vs. Pasadena Naperville vs. Joliet Naperville vs. Mesquite Naperville vs. Jackson Naperville vs. Pomona