Cost of Living: Surprise, AZ vs Naperville, IL (2026)

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Surprise is 21% cheaper than Naperville.

$1,917/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↓ 3%
$93,371/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 62%
$396,000 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$509,900 ↑ 29%
$1,587/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 36%
149,519
Population
149,424

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.6%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $65/month cheaper in Naperville, saving renters about $780/year.

Median household income is $57,566/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Surprise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Naperville — common questions

Is Surprise or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Naperville?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $65/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Naperville?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $57,566/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Illinois?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Surprise or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/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.
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