Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
17% cheaper
Lexington is 17% more affordable than Naperville. A $75,000 salary in Naperville is equivalent to $62,277 in Lexington.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Kentucky salaries · Illinois salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Lexington has a housing index of 82 while Naperville sits at 130 (national average = 100). The median home in Lexington costs $245,000 compared to $430,000 in Naperville, a difference of $185,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Lexington versus $1,800 in Naperville.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Lexington scores 96 while Naperville scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Lexington (94) are lower than Naperville (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Lexington is $55,648 compared to $118,254 in Naperville. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Lexington.
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