Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

$
Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.1K/month moving to Ann Arbor, MI

$150.0K in your current city equals $136.4K in Ann Arbor, MI

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI area
Overall Cost
↓ 15.1%
Less expensive
Monthly Impact
$1,131
Savings
Annual Impact
$13.6K
Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Naperville, IL

Population:150K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$593K

Ann Arbor, MI

Population:119K
Cost Index:
85
(15% below avg)
Median Home:$516K

Naperville, IL

The Prairie State

150K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 150K residents.

Ann Arbor, MI

The Great Lakes State

119K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Michigan, this city has a population of 119K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Naperville, IL vs Ann Arbor, MI

Housing
↓ 47.0%
Naperville, IL
$2,585
Ann Arbor, MI
$1,371
Difference
$1,214
less
Groceries
↓ 5.8%
Naperville, IL
$996
Ann Arbor, MI
$938
Difference
$57.74
less
All Utilities
↑ 9.7%
Naperville, IL
$502
Ann Arbor, MI
$551
Difference
$48.54
more
Transportation
↓ 2.5%
Naperville, IL
$1,574
Ann Arbor, MI
$1,535
Difference
$38.83
less
Healthcare
↓ 3.2%
Naperville, IL
$576
Ann Arbor, MI
$557
Difference
$18.33
less
Other
↓ 0.6%
Naperville, IL
$1,646
Ann Arbor, MI
$1,636
Difference
$10.70
less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$1,576
To$1,312
↓ $264
1 Bed
From$1,684
To$1,337
↓ $347
2 Bed
From$1,899
To$1,595
↓ $304
3 Bed
From$2,444
To$1,910
↓ $534
Naperville, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,010–$2,370/mo

Ann Arbor, MIZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,320–$1,740/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,879
Monthly in Naperville, IL
$6,588
Monthly in Ann Arbor, MI
$1,291
Difference

Home Values

Naperville
Ann Arbor
$593K
Median Value
$516K
↑ +4.6%
YoY Change
↑ +2.5%
↑ +43.2%
5-Year Change
↑ +29.5%
$443K - $665K
Price Range
$426K - $544K

Homes in Ann Arbor are 13% less expensive than Naperville

Calculate payment - NapervilleCalculate payment - Ann Arbor

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
↑ $1.1K
Per year
Monthly Difference
$87.50
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.7%
Rate difference

Naperville, IL

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Illinois State Tax
Effective: 5.0%
$7.4K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 29.6%
$44.4K
Take-Home Pay
$8,797/month
$105.6K

Ann Arbor, MI

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
Michigan State Tax
Effective: 4.3%
$6.4K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 28.9%
$43.4K
Take-Home Pay
$8,884/month
$106.6K

Additional Tax Information

Naperville, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%
Property Tax:2.2%

Ann Arbor, MI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%
Property Tax:1.4%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.

Environment

Naperville
Ann Arbor
54 Moderate
Air Quality
55 Moderate
35.8%
Good Air Days
32.8%
100 Very High
Climate Risk
99 High
🌊🌡🫨
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🌪
▲+3.2°F
2050 Outlook
▲+3.1°F
18 days
Heat Days >95°F
10 days
▲+3.2°F
2050 Outlook
▲+3.1°F
18 days
Heat Days >95°F
10 days

What to Consider When Moving from Naperville, IL to Ann Arbor, MI

Relocating from Naperville, IL to Ann Arbor, MI involves more than just comparing rent prices. While the overall cost of living is about 15% lower in Ann Arbor, MI, your actual experience will depend on your lifestyle, job situation, and priorities. Here are the key factors to weigh before making the move.

Housing & Rent

Housing is typically the largest line item in any budget, and it’s where the biggest differences show up between cities. In this comparison, housing in Ann Arbor, MI is 47% cheaper than in Naperville, IL. Keep in mind that neighborhood choice within a city can swing rent by 30–50%, so research specific areas — not just city averages — before signing a lease. If you’re buying, factor in property tax rates, which vary significantly by county and state.

Job Market & Salary Adjustments

A lower cost of living doesn’t help if your salary drops proportionally. Before committing to a move, research whether employers in Ann Arbor, MI pay comparable wages for your role. Remote workers may keep their current salary, but some companies adjust pay based on location. Use the salary calculator above to see what you’d need to earn in Ann Arbor, MI to match your current standard of living in Naperville, IL.

Taxes & Take-Home Pay

State income tax, property tax, and sales tax all affect how far your paycheck stretches. Some states have no income tax but make up for it with higher property or sales taxes. The tax comparison section above breaks down how your take-home pay would change. Don’t forget about vehicle registration fees, tolls, and other state-specific costs that add up over a year.

Quality of Life & Lifestyle Fit

Numbers only tell part of the story. Consider climate preferences, commute times, proximity to family, school quality if you have children, healthcare access, and the general “feel” of a city. A place that’s 15% cheaper might not be worth it if it means a longer commute or fewer amenities you value. If possible, visit Ann Arbor, MI for a week before making a final decision — experiencing the day-to-day rhythm matters more than any spreadsheet.

Frequently Asked Questions: Naperville, IL vs Ann Arbor, MI

Is Ann Arbor, MI cheaper than Naperville, IL?

Yes, Ann Arbor, MI is about 15.1% cheaper than Naperville, IL. You could save approximately $1,131/month on a $150,000 salary. Housing costs are 47% lower in Ann Arbor, MI.

What salary do I need in Ann Arbor, MI to match my lifestyle in Naperville, IL?

If you currently earn $150,000 in Naperville, IL, you would need approximately $136,429 in Ann Arbor, MI to maintain the same standard of living. This accounts for differences in housing, groceries, transportation, utilities, healthcare, and other typical expenses. Use the salary input above to adjust this based on your actual income.

How does rent compare between Naperville, IL and Ann Arbor, MI?

A two-bedroom apartment averages $1,899/month in Naperville, IL compared to $1,595/month in Ann Arbor, MI. One-bedroom apartments are $1,684/month in Naperville, IL vs $1,337/month in Ann Arbor, MI. These are area-wide medians — specific neighborhoods can vary significantly. Check the ZIP-level rent breakdown above for more granular data.

Are groceries more expensive in Naperville, IL or Ann Arbor, MI?

Groceries are about 6% cheaper in Ann Arbor, MI than in Naperville, IL, saving a typical household roughly $57.74/month on food.

What is the best time to move from Naperville, IL to Ann Arbor, MI?

Most people find that moving during the off-season (October through March) results in lower moving costs, since demand for movers and rental trucks drops. If you're renting, you may also find more negotiable lease terms during winter months. However, if you have school-age children, summer moves allow for a smoother school transition. For the best combination of availability and price, consider moving in early fall or late spring.

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between Illinois and Michigan on TaxTakeHome.com

Where your money goes further

Cities cheaper than Naperville, IL on a $150.0K salary

1.Indianapolis, IN
Save $1,056/mo
2.St. Louis, MO
Save $1,056/mo
3.Pittsburgh, PA
Save $907/mo
4.Columbus, OH
Save $833/mo
5.Kansas City, MO
Save $833/mo

Similar cost to Ann Arbor, MI

Other cities in a similar price range

Raleigh, NCCharlotte, NCDallas, TX

Want to compare different cities?

New Comparison