Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
5% cheaper
Tempe is 5% more affordable than Naperville. A $75,000 salary in Naperville is equivalent to $70,982 in Tempe.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Illinois salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Naperville has a housing index of 130 while Tempe sits at 114 (national average = 100). The median home in Naperville costs $430,000 compared to $400,000 in Tempe, a difference of $30,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,800 in Naperville versus $1,600 in Tempe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Naperville scores 104 while Tempe scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Naperville (101) are higher than Tempe (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Naperville is $118,254 compared to $56,068 in Tempe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tempe.
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