Is Carmel, IN cheaper than Naperville, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Carmel, IN is 18.1% cheaper than Naperville, IL. This translates to saving $1358 per month.

What salary do I need in Carmel, IN to live like I do in Naperville, IL?

If you earn $150,000 in Naperville, IL, you'd need approximately $133,705.477 in Carmel, IN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Naperville, IL and Carmel, IN?

Housing in Carmel, IN is 35.3% cheaper than in Naperville, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,665/month in Carmel, IN compared to $1,899/month in Naperville, IL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Naperville, IL to Carmel, IN?

Moving from Naperville, IL to Carmel, IN could save you approximately $1358 per month, or $16295 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Naperville, IL vs Carmel, IN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Naperville, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.4K/month moving to Carmel, IN

$150.0K in your current city equals $133.7K in Carmel, IN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI area

Overall Cost

↓ 18.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,358

Savings

Annual Impact

$16.3K

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

Carmel, IN

Population:102K

Cost Index:

(18% below avg)

Median Home:$559K

Naperville, IL

The Prairie State

150K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Carmel, IN

The Hoosier State

102K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Indiana, this city has a population of 102K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Naperville, IL vs Carmel, IN

Category	Naperville, IL	Carmel, IN	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,585/mo	$1,672/mo	↓ $913less	35.3%
Transportation	$1,574/mo	$1,133/mo	↓ $441less	28.0%
Other	$1,646/mo	$1,516/mo	↓ $131less	7.9%
Groceries	$996/mo	$897/mo	↓ $98.60less	9.9%
All Utilities	$502/mo	$491/mo	↓ $11.61less	2.3%
Healthcare	$576/mo	$569/mo	↓ $7.06less	1.2%

Housing

↓ 35.3%

Naperville, IL

$2,585

Carmel, IN

$1,672

Difference

$913

less

Transportation

↓ 28.0%

Naperville, IL

$1,574

Carmel, IN

$1,133

Difference

$441

less

Other

↓ 7.9%

Naperville, IL

$1,646

Carmel, IN

$1,516

Difference

$131

less

Groceries

↓ 9.9%

Naperville, IL

$996

Carmel, IN

$897

Difference

$98.60

less

All Utilities

↓ 2.3%

Naperville, IL

$502

Carmel, IN

$491

Difference

$11.61

less

Healthcare

↓ 1.2%

Naperville, IL

$576

Carmel, IN

$569

Difference

$7.06

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,576

To$1,264

↓ $312

1 Bed

From$1,684

To$1,430

↓ $254

2 Bed

From$1,899

To$1,665

↓ $234

3 Bed

From$2,444

To$2,155

↓ $289

Naperville, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,010–$2,370/mo

Carmel, INZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,750–$1,780/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

$6,277

Monthly in Carmel, IN

$1,602

Difference

Home Values

Naperville

Carmel

$593K

Median Value

$559K

↑ +4.6%

YoY Change

↑ +4.2%

↑ +43.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +43.1%

$443K - $665K

Price Range

$557K - $561K

Homes in Carmel are 6% less expensive than Naperville

Calculate payment - Naperville Calculate payment - Carmel

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.6K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$215

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.7%

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

Carmel, IN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Indiana State Tax

Effective: 3.2%

$4.8K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.9%

$41.9K

Take-Home Pay

$9,012/month

$108.1K

Additional Tax Information

Naperville, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

Carmel, IN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

💡 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.