Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
19% cheaper
Louisville is 19% more affordable than Naperville. A $75,000 salary in Naperville is equivalent to $60,938 in Louisville.
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. Louisville has a housing index of 77 while Naperville sits at 130 (national average = 100). The median home in Louisville costs $210,000 compared to $430,000 in Naperville, a difference of $220,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Louisville versus $1,800 in Naperville.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Louisville scores 96 while Naperville scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Louisville (93) are lower than Naperville (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Louisville is $52,238 compared to $118,254 in Naperville. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Louisville.
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