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

Stockton

California
115
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Stockton is 22% cheaper than Naperville.

$1,495/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 24%
$76,851/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 96%
$412,900 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$509,900 ↑ 23%
$1,555/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 39%
320,470
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

23.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $357/month cheaper in Stockton, saving renters about $4,284/year.

Median household income is $74,086/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Naperville — common questions

Is Stockton or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Stockton is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Naperville?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $357/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Naperville?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $74,086/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 Stockton or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/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 Stockton details → View Naperville details →

More Comparisons

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