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

Santa Rosa

California
172
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Santa Rosa is 17% more expensive than Naperville.

$2,084/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↓ 11%
$97,410/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 55%
$685,000 ↑ 34%
Home Value
$509,900 ↓ 26%
$2,130/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 1%
177,216
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

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Rosa, CA and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $232/month cheaper in Naperville, saving renters about $2,784/year.

Median household income is $53,527/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Rosa is $685,000 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Rosa vs Naperville — common questions

Is Santa Rosa or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Naperville is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Rosa and Naperville?
Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $232/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Rosa or Naperville?
Median household income is $97,410 in Santa Rosa and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $53,527/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 Rosa or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,084/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 Rosa details → View Naperville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Santa Rosa and Naperville

Santa Rosa vs. Elk Grove Santa Rosa vs. Cary Santa Rosa vs. Eugene Santa Rosa vs. Salem Santa Rosa vs. Ontario Santa Rosa vs. Rancho Cucamonga Naperville vs. Surprise Naperville vs. Pasadena Naperville vs. Joliet Naperville vs. Mesquite Naperville vs. Jackson Naperville vs. Pomona