Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Naperville, IL (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Worcester is 29% cheaper than Naperville.

$1,415/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 31%
$67,544/yr ↓ 55%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 123%
$339,500 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$509,900 ↑ 50%
$1,521/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 42%
205,501
Population
149,424

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $437/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $5,244/year.

Median household income is $83,393/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Naperville — common questions

Is Worcester or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Naperville?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $437/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Naperville?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $83,393/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Illinois?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/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 Worcester details → View Naperville details →

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