Wheaton, IL vs. Naperville, IL: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Considering a move to the Chicago suburbs? This article provides a cost of living comparison: Wheaton vs Naperville. It’s perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Wheaton vs Naperville in 2025.
In a nutshell, here’s how the two cities stack up:
- 🏘️ Median home price: $450,000 in Wheaton vs $550,000 in Naperville
- 🛍️ Groceries: 5% cheaper in Wheaton
- ⚡ Utilities: Similar in both cities
- 💸 Property taxes: 2.31% in Wheaton vs 2.59% in Naperville
Let’s dive into the details to see which Chicago suburb fits your lifestyle and budget.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is typically the biggest expense for most households. Here’s how Wheaton and Naperville compare:
| Housing Type | Wheaton | Naperville |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $450,000 | $550,000 |
| 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,800 | $2,200 |
| 3BR Home Mortgage | $2,400 | $2,900 |
🏆 Winner: Wheaton. Housing costs 15-20% less in Wheaton compared to Naperville. A family moving from Naperville to Wheaton could potentially save $500/month or more on housing alone.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities. Expect to pay around $200-250/month for electricity, gas, water, and trash for a typical home. Both cities experience cold winters and hot summers, so budget for higher heating and A/C bills in peak months.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Utility costs are comparable in Wheaton and Naperville.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Wheaton has a slight edge over Naperville when it comes to everyday costs like groceries, dining out, and common goods. Expect to pay around 5% less in Wheaton on average.
For example, a gallon of milk averages $3.50 in Wheaton compared to $3.70 in Naperville. A basic restaurant meal runs about $15 in Wheaton vs $16 in Naperville.
🏆 Winner: Wheaton. Residents can expect to save 5% or so on groceries and daily expenses compared to Naperville.
4. Taxes and Fees
Both Wheaton and Naperville have relatively high property taxes, but Wheaton’s rate of 2.31% is notably lower than Naperville’s 2.59%. For a $500K home, that’s a difference of $1400/year.
Wheaton also has lower utility taxes and vehicle sticker fees. However, many Wheaton HOAs include landscaping and trash, which can add $100-300/month.
🏆 Winner: Wheaton. Lower property taxes give Wheaton the advantage, even with potential HOA fees.
5. Cost Summary
| Category | Wheaton | Naperville |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $2,400 | $2,900 |
| Utilities | $225 | $225 |
| Groceries | $500 | $525 |
| Transportation | $200 | $150 |
| Taxes | $875 | $1075 |
| Misc | $400 | $400 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $4,600 | $5,275 |
Note: Figures above are estimates based on a family of four and assume a gross monthly income of $8,500. All income figures are expressed in gross monthly income (pre-tax). See our Monthly Budget Examples for Wheaton Residents for more details.
6. Lifestyle Fit
While Wheaton offers a lower cost of living, Naperville has some lifestyle advantages:
- Naperville has a larger downtown with more dining and entertainment options
- Naperville schools rank slightly higher than Wheaton’s
- Naperville has more public transportation with Metra and Pace bus service
However, Wheaton offers more affordable housing, lower taxes, and a quieter suburban feel. Wheaton is also 5°F cooler on average in the summer.
7. FAQ
Q: Is Wheaton more affordable than Naperville?
A: Yes, Wheaton has a lower overall cost of living than Naperville. Housing costs and property taxes in particular are significantly lower in Wheaton.
Q: Which city has lower rent?
A: Wheaton has lower rent, with a typical 2BR apartment renting for around $1,800/month compared to $2,200/month in Naperville.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
A: Wheaton. The median home price in Wheaton is about $450,000, while Naperville’s median is $550,000.
8. Conclusion
While both Wheaton and Naperville are great Chicago suburbs, Wheaton comes out ahead in this cost of living comparison. Families and professionals looking to save on housing, taxes, and daily expenses should give Wheaton strong consideration.
However, those willing to pay a bit more for better schools, transit, and entertainment may prefer Naperville. Be sure to check out our full Cost of Living in Wheaton (2025 Guide) for even more details and budgeting tips.