Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
11% cheaper
Charlotte is 11% more affordable than Naperville. A $75,000 salary in Naperville is equivalent to $66,964 in Charlotte.
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. Charlotte has a housing index of 99 while Naperville sits at 130 (national average = 100). The median home in Charlotte costs $330,000 compared to $430,000 in Naperville, a difference of $100,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Charlotte versus $1,800 in Naperville.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Charlotte scores 101 while Naperville scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charlotte (105) are higher than Naperville (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charlotte is $62,308 compared to $118,254 in Naperville. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Charlotte.
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