Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
31% cheaper
Naperville is 31% more affordable than Jersey City. A $75,000 salary in Jersey City is equivalent to $51,852 in Naperville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New Jersey salaries · Illinois salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Jersey City has a housing index of 249 while Naperville sits at 130 (national average = 100). The median home in Jersey City costs $540,000 compared to $430,000 in Naperville, a difference of $110,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,600 in Jersey City versus $1,800 in Naperville.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Jersey City scores 105 while Naperville scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Jersey City (106) are higher than Naperville (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Jersey City is $80,820 compared to $118,254 in Naperville. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Naperville.
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