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

Santa Clarita

California
197
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Santa Clarita is 34% more expensive than Naperville.

$2,486/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↓ 26%
$119,926/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 26%
$721,000 ↑ 41%
Home Value
$509,900 ↓ 29%
$2,649/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↓ 18%
229,021
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

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clarita, CA and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $634/month cheaper in Naperville, saving renters about $7,608/year.

Median household income is $31,011/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clarita is $721,000 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clarita vs Naperville — common questions

Is Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita and Naperville?
Median rent in Santa Clarita is $2,486/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $634/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clarita or Naperville?
Median household income is $119,926 in Santa Clarita and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $31,011/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 Clarita or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,486/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 Santa Clarita details → View Naperville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Clarita and Naperville

Santa Clarita vs. Spokane Santa Clarita vs. Fremont Santa Clarita vs. Enterprise Santa Clarita vs. Richmond Santa Clarita vs. Norfolk Santa Clarita vs. Baton Rouge Naperville vs. Surprise Naperville vs. Pasadena Naperville vs. Joliet Naperville vs. Mesquite Naperville vs. Jackson Naperville vs. Pomona