Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
11% cheaper
St. Paul is 11% more affordable than Naperville. A $75,000 salary in Naperville is equivalent to $66,964 in St. Paul.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Illinois salaries · Minnesota salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Naperville has a housing index of 130 while St. Paul sits at 98 (national average = 100). The median home in Naperville costs $430,000 compared to $260,000 in St. Paul, a difference of $170,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,800 in Naperville versus $1,300 in St. Paul.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Naperville scores 104 while St. Paul scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Naperville (101) are lower than St. Paul (105). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Naperville is $118,254 compared to $57,718 in St. Paul. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in St. Paul.
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