Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
18% cheaper
Syracuse is 18% more affordable than Naperville. A $75,000 salary in Naperville is equivalent to $61,607 in Syracuse.
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 Syracuse sits at 69 (national average = 100). The median home in Naperville costs $430,000 compared to $140,000 in Syracuse, a difference of $290,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,800 in Naperville versus $950 in Syracuse.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Naperville scores 104 while Syracuse scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Naperville (101) are higher than Syracuse (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Naperville is $118,254 compared to $36,708 in Syracuse. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Syracuse.
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