Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Springfield is 4% more affordable than Naperville. A $75,000 salary in Naperville is equivalent to $71,652 in Springfield.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Illinois salaries · Massachusetts salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Naperville has a housing index of 130 while Springfield sits at 106 (national average = 100). The median home in Naperville costs $430,000 compared to $230,000 in Springfield, a difference of $200,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,800 in Naperville versus $1,200 in Springfield.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Naperville scores 104 while Springfield scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Naperville (101) are lower than Springfield (114).
Median household income in Naperville is $118,254 compared to $41,612 in Springfield. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Springfield.
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