Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Baltimore is 5% cheaper than Joliet.

$1,290/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 4%
$59,623/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 48%
$219,300 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$248,600 ↑ 13%
$1,333/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↑ 10%
577,193
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.07%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $53/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $636/year.

Median household income is $28,403/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Joliet slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Joliet — common questions

Is Baltimore or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Joliet?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $53/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Joliet?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $28,403/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and Illinois?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/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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