Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
12% cheaper
Naperville is 12% more affordable than Riverside. A $75,000 salary in Riverside is equivalent to $65,625 in Naperville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Illinois salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Naperville has a housing index of 130 while Riverside sits at 155 (national average = 100). The median home in Naperville costs $430,000 compared to $500,000 in Riverside, a difference of $70,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,800 in Naperville versus $1,800 in Riverside.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Naperville scores 104 while Riverside scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Naperville (101) are lower than Riverside (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Naperville is $118,254 compared to $67,068 in Riverside. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Naperville.
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