Evanston, IL vs. Naperville, IL: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Evanston vs Naperville. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Evanston vs Naperville in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living differences. Here’s how Evanston and Naperville stack up:
| Housing Type | Evanston | Naperville |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $2,100 | $2,400 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $550,000 | $650,000 |
🏆 Winner: Evanston. Housing costs an estimated 14% less in Evanston compared to Naperville for both renting and buying.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities. Expect to pay around $200 per month for electricity, gas, water, and trash for a 2BR apartment in either Evanston or Naperville.
Both cities experience cold winters and hot summers, so budget for higher heating and cooling bills seasonally. Naperville’s electric utility offers an optional Time-of-Day rate that can save money if you shift usage to off-peak hours.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Utility costs are comparable in both cities, averaging $200-300 per month depending on home size and time of year.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs are about 5% lower in Naperville compared to Evanston on average. A gallon of milk runs about $3.50 in Naperville vs $3.85 in Evanston, for example.
However, Evanston has slightly lower costs for dining out, entertainment, and other daily expenses. A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant averages $70 in Evanston compared to $80 in Naperville.
🏆 Winner: Evanston. While groceries are a bit cheaper in Naperville, Evanston wins out for its lower daily expenses overall.
4. Taxes and Fees
Both Evanston and Naperville have property tax rates around 2.5% of home value. For a $500K home, expect to pay about $12,500 per year in property taxes in either city.
In Evanston, HOA fees often include landscaping and trash, adding $200-400 to monthly housing costs in many neighborhoods. Naperville has fewer HOA communities on average.
🏆 Winner: Naperville. The lack of HOA fees gives Naperville a slight edge over Evanston for taxes and housing-related costs.
5. Cost Summary Table
| Cost Category | Evanston | Naperville |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR Home)* | $3,000 | $3,500 |
| Utilities | $250 | $250 |
| Groceries | $500 | $475 |
| Transportation | $100 | $150 |
| Taxes | $1,050 | $1,050 |
| Misc Expenses | $500 | $550 |
| Estimated Monthly Total* | $5,400 | $5,975 |
*Based on gross monthly income (pre-tax) for a 3BR home. Adjust housing cost proportionally for renting or smaller homes.
6. Lifestyle Fit
Evanston offers a denser, more urban feel with walkable neighborhoods and access to Chicago via the L train. It’s a great fit for those who prefer a car-optional lifestyle.
Naperville has more of a suburban vibe with larger homes and yards, but longer commutes. It appeals to families who value space over city access.
Evanston is about 5°F cooler than Naperville during summer heat waves. However, both cities get their share of harsh Midwest winters.
7. FAQs
- Is Evanston more affordable than Naperville? Yes, Evanston’s cost of living is about 10% lower on average, mainly due to cheaper housing.
- Which city has lower rent? Evanston rents are around 12% lower than Naperville for comparable apartments.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home? Evanston home prices are roughly 15% less than Naperville for similar size and quality.
8. Conclusion
While both Evanston and Naperville are attractive Chicago suburbs, Evanston offers a lower overall cost of living, especially for housing. It’s a great fit for young professionals, DINKs, and families who value city access and walkability.
Naperville appeals more to those who prioritize space, yards, and top schools over affordability and commute times. Families with children and home-based workers may prefer its suburban lifestyle.
Considering other Chicago suburbs? Check out our [Cost of Living in Evanston (2025 Guide)](/evanston-il/cost-overview/) for more city-by-city comparisons. Or see typical [Monthly Budget Examples for Evanston Residents](/evanston-il/monthly-budget/) to plan your expenses in detail.