Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Naperville, IL (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Seattle is 33% more expensive than Naperville.

$1,998/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↓ 7%
$121,984/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 24%
$912,100 ↑ 79%
Home Value
$509,900 ↓ 44%
$2,220/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↓ 3%
741,440
Population
149,424

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $146/month cheaper in Naperville, saving renters about $1,752/year.

Median household income is $28,953/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Naperville — common questions

Is Seattle or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Naperville is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Naperville?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $146/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Naperville?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $28,953/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Illinois?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Naperville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Naperville

Seattle vs. San Francisco Seattle vs. Denver Seattle vs. Indianapolis Seattle vs. Oklahoma City Seattle vs. Charlotte Seattle vs. Nashville Naperville vs. Surprise Naperville vs. Pasadena Naperville vs. Joliet Naperville vs. Mesquite Naperville vs. Jackson Naperville vs. Pomona