Santa Ana, CA vs Naperville, IL: 163 vs 147

$1,975/mo ↑ 7%

Median Rent

$1,852/mo ↓ 6%

$88,354/yr ↓ 41%

Median Income

$150,937/yr ↑ 71%

$657,800 ↑ 29%

Home Value

$509,900 ↓ 22%

$1,965/mo ↓ 9%

Owner Costs

$2,161/mo ↑ 10%

311,639

Population

149,424

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $123/month cheaper in Naperville, saving renters about $1,476/year.

Median household income is $62,583/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Naperville — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Naperville cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Naperville is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 163 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Naperville?

Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $123/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Naperville?

Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $62,583/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 Santa Ana or Naperville?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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.

Cost of Living: Santa Ana, CA vs Naperville, IL (2026)

Santa Ana

Naperville

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Affordability

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