Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Naperville, IL (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

St. Paul is 38% cheaper than Naperville.

$1,248/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 48%
$73,055/yr ↓ 52%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 107%
$280,300 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$509,900 ↑ 82%
$1,390/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 55%
307,762
Population
149,424

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.11%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $604/month cheaper in St. Paul, saving renters about $7,248/year.

Median household income is $77,882/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Naperville — common questions

Is St. Paul or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Paul is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Naperville?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $604/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Naperville?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $77,882/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Illinois?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/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 St. Paul details → View Naperville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Paul and Naperville

St. Paul vs. Irvine St. Paul vs. Newark St. Paul vs. Cincinnati St. Paul vs. Pittsburgh St. Paul vs. Santa Ana St. Paul vs. Greensboro Naperville vs. Surprise Naperville vs. Pasadena Naperville vs. Joliet Naperville vs. Mesquite Naperville vs. Jackson Naperville vs. Pomona