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

If you earn $150,000 in Naperville, IL, you'd need approximately $143,930.664 in Springfield, IL to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Naperville, IL and Springfield, IL?

Housing in Springfield, IL is 21.4% cheaper than in Naperville, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,487/month in Springfield, IL compared to $1,899/month in Naperville, IL.

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

Moving from Naperville, IL to Springfield, IL could save you approximately $506 per month, or $6069 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Naperville, IL vs Springfield, IL: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Q: Is Springfield, IL cheaper than Naperville, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Springfield, IL is 6.7% cheaper than Naperville, IL. This translates to saving $506 per month.

Tap to swap

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 $506/month moving to Springfield, IL

$150.0K in your current city equals $143.9K in Springfield, IL

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

Overall Cost

↓ 6.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$506

Savings

Annual Impact

$6.1K

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

Springfield, IL

Population:113K

Cost Index:

(7% below avg)

Median Home:$145K

Naperville, IL

The Prairie State

150K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Springfield, IL

The Prairie State

113K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 113K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Naperville, IL vs Springfield, IL

Category	Naperville, IL	Springfield, IL	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,585/mo	$2,031/mo	↓ $554less	21.4%
Transportation	$1,574/mo	$1,319/mo	↓ $254less	16.2%
Other	$1,646/mo	$1,744/mo	↑ $97.82more	5.9%
All Utilities	$502/mo	$558/mo	↑ $55.48more	11.0%
Healthcare	$576/mo	$549/mo	↓ $27.00less	4.7%
Groceries	$996/mo	$989/mo	↓ $7.13less	0.7%

Housing

↓ 21.4%

Naperville, IL

$2,585

Springfield, IL

$2,031

Difference

$554

less

Transportation

↓ 16.2%

Naperville, IL

$1,574

Springfield, IL

$1,319

Difference

$254

less

Other

↑ 5.9%

Naperville, IL

$1,646

Springfield, IL

$1,744

Difference

$97.82

All Utilities

↑ 11.0%

Naperville, IL

$502

Springfield, IL

$558

Difference

$55.48

Healthcare

↓ 4.7%

Naperville, IL

$576

Springfield, IL

$549

Difference

$27.00

less

Groceries

↓ 0.7%

Naperville, IL

$996

Springfield, IL

$989

Difference

$7.13

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,576

To$1,020

↓ $556

1 Bed

From$1,684

To$1,194

↓ $490

2 Bed

From$1,899

To$1,487

↓ $412

3 Bed

From$2,444

To$1,986

↓ $458

Naperville, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,010–$2,370/mo

Springfield, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,100–$1,100/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

$7,190

Monthly in Springfield, IL

$689

Difference

Home Values

Naperville

Springfield

$593K

Median Value

↑ +4.6%

YoY Change

↑ +43.2%

5-Year Change

$443K - $665K

Price Range

Calculate payment - Naperville

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

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

Springfield, 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

Additional Tax Information

Naperville, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

Springfield, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

💡 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

Springfield

54 Moderate

Air Quality

54 Moderate

35.8%

Good Air Days

38%

100 Very High

Climate Risk

99 High

🌊🌡🫨

Top Hazards

🌊🌡🫨

▲+3.2°F

2050 Outlook

▲+3.0°F

18 days

Heat Days >95°F

39 days

▲+3.2°F

2050 Outlook

▲+3.0°F

18 days

Heat Days >95°F

39 days

What to Consider When Moving from Naperville, IL to Springfield, IL

Relocating from Naperville, IL to Springfield, IL involves more than just comparing rent prices. While the overall cost of living is about 7% lower in Springfield, IL, 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 Springfield, IL is 21% 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 Springfield, IL 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 Springfield, IL 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 Springfield, IL 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 Springfield, IL

Is Springfield, IL cheaper than Naperville, IL?

Yes, Springfield, IL is about 6.7% cheaper than Naperville, IL. You could save approximately $506/month on a $150,000 salary. Housing costs are 21% lower in Springfield, IL.

What salary do I need in Springfield, IL to match my lifestyle in Naperville, IL?

If you currently earn $150,000 in Naperville, IL, you would need approximately $143,931 in Springfield, IL 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 Springfield, IL?

A two-bedroom apartment averages $1,899/month in Naperville, IL compared to $1,487/month in Springfield, IL. One-bedroom apartments are $1,684/month in Naperville, IL vs $1,194/month in Springfield, IL. 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 Springfield, IL?

Grocery prices are very similar between Naperville, IL and Springfield, IL, with less than 1% difference. Your food budget would stay about the same.

What is the best time to move from Naperville, IL to Springfield, IL?

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.