Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Naperville, IL (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Washington is 16% more expensive than Naperville.

$1,900/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↓ 3%
$106,287/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 42%
$724,600 ↑ 42%
Home Value
$509,900 ↓ 30%
$2,103/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 3%
672,079
Population
149,424

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.56%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $44,650/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Naperville — common questions

Is Washington or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Naperville is cheaper to live in with an index of 147 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Naperville?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $48/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Naperville?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $44,650/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and Illinois?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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 Washington details → View Naperville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Washington and Naperville

Washington vs. El Paso Washington vs. Boston Washington vs. Nashville Washington vs. Las Vegas Washington vs. Oklahoma City Washington vs. Portland Naperville vs. Surprise Naperville vs. Pasadena Naperville vs. Joliet Naperville vs. Mesquite Naperville vs. Jackson Naperville vs. Pomona