Cost of Living: Aurora, CO vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Aurora

Colorado
130
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Aurora is 48% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,759/mo ↑ 42%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 30%
$84,320/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 4%
$444,500 ↑ 79%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 44%
$1,762/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↓ 16%
390,201
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.95%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, CO and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $522/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $6,264/year.

Median household income is $3,706/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $444,500 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Aurora slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Joliet — common questions

Is Aurora or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Joliet?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,759/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $522/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Joliet?
Median household income is $84,320 in Aurora and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $3,706/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Illinois?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Aurora or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,759/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.
View Aurora details → View Joliet details →

More Comparisons

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Aurora vs. Tampa Aurora vs. New Orleans Aurora vs. Arlington Aurora vs. Cleveland Aurora vs. Wichita Aurora vs. Honolulu Joliet vs. Jackson Joliet vs. Surprise Joliet vs. Escondido Joliet vs. Naperville Joliet vs. Bellevue Joliet vs. Pasadena