Housing Costs in Naperville

Housing is typically the largest expense for Naperville residents. In 2025, the median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Naperville is approximately $1,850 per month. For those looking to purchase a home, the typical mortgage payment on a 3-bedroom house is around $2,400 per month, assuming a 20% down payment.

Here is a comparison of common housing options in Naperville:

Housing Type	Monthly Cost Range
1BR Apartment	$1,400 – $1,700
2BR Apartment	$1,700 – $2,100
3BR House (Mortgage)	$2,200 – $2,800
4BR House (Mortgage)	$2,600 – $3,200+

It’s important to note that many neighborhoods in Naperville have Homeowners Associations (HOAs). While not mandatory, HOA fees can add $200-400 per month to housing costs for those who opt in.

Utilities and Energy Bills

Utility costs in Naperville are relatively affordable compared to other parts of the Chicago metro area. For an average 2-bedroom apartment, residents can expect to pay around $120 per month for electricity, $60 for natural gas, $50 for water, and $30 for trash collection.

However, utility bills can vary significantly based on the season and energy usage. In the summer months, electric bills often spike due to air conditioning needs. A typical family in a 3-bedroom house might see their electricity costs double to $240 or more in July and August.

Here are some typical utility cost ranges for Naperville households:

• Electricity: $90 – $280/month
• Natural Gas: $40 – $120/month
• Water: $35 – $80/month
• Trash: $25 – $40/month
• Internet: $50 – $100/month

Groceries and Daily Expenses

Groceries in Naperville generally cost about 5% more than the national average. A single person can expect to spend around $350 per month on groceries, while a family of four typically spends $950 – $1,100 per month.

Dining out is a popular option in Naperville, with many local and chain restaurants available. A meal at a casual restaurant usually costs $12-18 per person, while a nicer dinner out for two might run $70-100 including drinks and tip.

For a typical Naperville household, budget around $500/month per adult for groceries and incidentals like toiletries and cleaning supplies. Families with children should budget an additional $300-400 per child for food and daily essentials.

Taxes and Hidden Fees

Naperville has a property tax rate of 2.08%, which is higher than the national average but typical for the Chicago suburbs. For a home valued at $400,000, annual property taxes would be approximately $8,320, or $693 per month.

The sales tax rate in Naperville is 7.75%, which includes state, county and city taxes. Vehicle registration fees in Illinois are $151 per year, plus an additional $25-100 based on the vehicle’s age and horsepower.

For those living in HOA communities, monthly fees can range from $200-400+. While sometimes optional, these fees often cover amenities like pools, fitness centers, snow removal and landscaping.

Summary Budget Table

Expense Category	Single Person	Couple	Family of 4
Housing (Rent/Mortgage)	$1,400	$1,850	$2,400
Utilities	$200	$280	$450
Groceries & Dining Out	$500	$1,000	$1,400
Transportation & Vehicle	$300	$500	$800
Health Insurance	$300	$600	$1,100
Other (Entertainment, Clothes, Gym)	$400	$600	$800
Monthly Total (Gross Income)	$3,100	$4,830	$6,950

Based on these estimates, a comfortable lifestyle in Naperville requires a gross monthly income (pre-tax) of at least $3,100 for a single person, $4,800 for a couple, and $7,000 for a family of four. Keep in mind these figures are averages – actual budgets can vary significantly based on neighborhood, spending habits and housing choices.

Lifestyle Considerations

Naperville consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in America thanks to its high quality of life, excellent schools and ample job opportunities. The average commute time is 30 minutes, with many residents working in Naperville or commuting to nearby cities like Aurora, Downers Grove or Chicago.

Housing options range from apartments and condos to single-family homes and sprawling estates. Newer construction homes are common in Naperville’s outer neighborhoods, while the downtown area features many well-maintained older homes with character.

Naperville is known for its extensive park system, with over 130 parks and sports fields and several forest preserves with trails for hiking and biking. The Naperville Park District offers a wide variety of recreational programs for all ages. However, this suburban lifestyle and convenience comes at a cost, as Naperville’s housing prices and property taxes are significantly higher than in more rural parts of Illinois.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What salary do you need to live comfortably in Naperville?
  To live comfortably, a single person needs a gross monthly income of at least $3,100. For a family of four, a combined household income of $7,000/month is recommended.
• How much are property taxes in Naperville?
  The property tax rate in Naperville is 2.08%. For a $400,000 home, expect to pay around $8,320 per year, or $693 per month.
• Is Naperville cheaper than Chicago?
  Housing costs are lower in Naperville compared to Chicago, but still higher than the national average. Everyday expenses like groceries and dining out are similar between the two cities.
• What is the average rent in Naperville?
  As of 2025, the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Naperville is $1,550/month. A typical 2-bedroom apartment rents for $1,850/month.
• Are utilities expensive in Naperville?
  Naperville’s utility costs are lower than in Chicago proper. The average household spends $280/month on electricity, gas, water and trash collection.