City Comparison · 2026
Naperville vs Chicago
Salary, rent, taxes, and purchasing power compared
Purchasing Power
$100k in Naperville = $117k in Chicago
Metric
Naperville
Chicago
COL Index
✓1.18
1.38
1BR Monthly Rent
✓$1,600/mo
$2,000/mo
2BR Monthly Rent
✓$2,000/mo
$2,600/mo
State Income Tax
IL
IL
$100k Take-Home
$73,786
$73,786
$100k Effective Rate
26.21%
26.21%
$100k Savings Potential
✓$54,586
$49,786
After-Tax Income by Salary
| Gross Salary | Naperville IL | Chicago IL |
|---|---|---|
| $60,000 | $47,278 $3,940/mo · 21.2% eff. | $47,278 $3,940/mo · 21.2% eff. |
| $100,000 | $73,786 $6,149/mo · 26.21% eff. | $73,786 $6,149/mo · 26.21% eff. |
| $150,000 | $105,853 $8,821/mo · 29.43% eff. | $105,853 $8,821/mo · 29.43% eff. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Naperville or Chicago cheaper to live in?
Naperville has a cost-of-living index of 1.18 while Chicago is 1.38 (1.00 = US average). Naperville is cheaper overall. 1BR rent in Naperville is $1,600/month vs $2,000/month in Chicago.
How much more do you need to earn in Chicago vs Naperville?
$100k in Naperville = $117k in Chicago. Cost of living in Chicago is higher by 16.9%.
Which city has better after-tax income — Naperville or Chicago?
On a $100,000 salary, you take home $73,786 in IL (Naperville) and $73,786 in IL (Chicago). After accounting for rent, your annual savings potential is $54,586 in Naperville vs $49,786 in Chicago.
More City Comparisons
California Salary GuideTexas Salary GuideNaperville vs New York City cost of livingNaperville vs Los Angeles cost of livingNaperville vs Chicago cost of livingCost of living in NapervilleCost of living in New York CityCost of living in Los AngelesSoftware Engineer salary in NapervilleRegistered Nurse salary in NapervilleWhere does $100k rank nationally?