Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
16% cheaper
Rochester is 16% more affordable than Naperville. A $75,000 salary in Naperville is equivalent to $62,946 in Rochester.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Illinois salaries · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Naperville has a housing index of 130 while Rochester sits at 73 (national average = 100). The median home in Naperville costs $430,000 compared to $155,000 in Rochester, a difference of $275,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,800 in Naperville versus $1,000 in Rochester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Naperville scores 104 while Rochester scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Naperville (101) are higher than Rochester (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Naperville is $118,254 compared to $39,728 in Rochester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Rochester.
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