Cost of Living: Akron, OH vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Akron

Ohio
55
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Akron is 33% cheaper than Joliet.

$930/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↑ 33%
$48,544/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 81%
$111,200 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$248,600 ↑ 124%
$904/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↑ 63%
189,526
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.75%
Sales Tax
6.25%
1.53%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Akron, OH and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 55 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $307/month cheaper in Akron, saving renters about $3,684/year.

Median household income is $39,482/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Akron is $111,200 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Akron slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Akron vs Joliet — common questions

Is Akron or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Akron is cheaper to live in with an index of 55 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Akron and Joliet?
Median rent in Akron is $930/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $307/month.
Which city has higher income, Akron or Joliet?
Median household income is $48,544 in Akron and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $39,482/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Illinois?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Akron or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Akron has a cost index of 55 with median rent of $930/mo, while Joliet has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,237/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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