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

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Tempe is 18% cheaper than Naperville.

$1,623/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 14%
$77,643/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 94%
$421,900 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$509,900 ↑ 21%
$1,554/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 39%
186,419
Population
149,424

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $229/month cheaper in Tempe, saving renters about $2,748/year.

Median household income is $73,294/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Naperville — common questions

Is Tempe or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tempe is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Naperville?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $229/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Naperville?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $73,294/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 Tempe or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/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 Tempe details → View Naperville details →

More Comparisons

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