Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Asheville is 4% more affordable than Naperville. A $75,000 salary in Naperville is equivalent to $72,321 in Asheville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · Illinois salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Asheville has a housing index of 120 while Naperville sits at 130 (national average = 100). The median home in Asheville costs $360,000 compared to $430,000 in Naperville, a difference of $70,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Asheville versus $1,800 in Naperville.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Asheville scores 103 while Naperville scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Asheville (106) are higher than Naperville (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Asheville is $48,534 compared to $118,254 in Naperville. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Asheville.
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