Cost of Living: Wichita, KS vs Naperville, IL (2026)

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Wichita is 56% cheaper than Naperville.

$960/mo ↓ 48%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 93%
$63,072/yr ↓ 58%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 139%
$179,500 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$509,900 ↑ 184%
$994/mo ↓ 54%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 117%
396,488
Population
149,424

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.41%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $892/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $10,704/year.

Median household income is $87,865/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Naperville — common questions

Is Wichita or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Naperville?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $892/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Naperville?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $87,865/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Illinois?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Wichita or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/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 Wichita details → View Naperville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Wichita and Naperville

Wichita vs. Bakersfield Wichita vs. Arlington Wichita vs. Tulsa Wichita vs. Tampa Wichita vs. Minneapolis Wichita vs. Aurora Naperville vs. Surprise Naperville vs. Pasadena Naperville vs. Joliet Naperville vs. Mesquite Naperville vs. Jackson Naperville vs. Pomona