Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Wilmington is 7% more affordable than Naperville. A $75,000 salary in Naperville is equivalent to $69,643 in Wilmington.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Illinois salaries · Delaware salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Naperville has a housing index of 130 while Wilmington sits at 104 (national average = 100). The median home in Naperville costs $430,000 compared to $235,000 in Wilmington, a difference of $195,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,800 in Naperville versus $1,200 in Wilmington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Naperville scores 104 while Wilmington scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Naperville (101) are lower than Wilmington (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Naperville is $118,254 compared to $46,520 in Wilmington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wilmington.
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