Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
20% cheaper
St. Louis is 20% more affordable than Naperville. A $75,000 salary in Naperville is equivalent to $60,268 in St. Louis.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Illinois salaries · Missouri salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Naperville has a housing index of 130 while St. Louis sits at 72 (national average = 100). The median home in Naperville costs $430,000 compared to $175,000 in St. Louis, a difference of $255,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,800 in Naperville versus $1,000 in St. Louis.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Naperville scores 104 while St. Louis scores 97. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Naperville (101) are higher than St. Louis (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Naperville is $118,254 compared to $45,782 in St. Louis. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in St. Louis.
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