Cost of Living: Bellevue, WA vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Bellevue

Washington
250
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Bellevue is 162% more expensive than Joliet.

$2,505/mo ↑ 103%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 51%
$161,300/yr ↑ 83%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↓ 45%
$1,203,100 ↑ 384%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 79%
$2,586/mo ↑ 76%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↓ 43%
151,199
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.5%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

18.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bellevue, WA and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 250 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,268/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $15,216/year.

Median household income is $73,274/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bellevue is $1,203,100 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Bellevue residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bellevue vs Joliet — common questions

Is Bellevue or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bellevue and Joliet?
Median rent in Bellevue is $2,505/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $1,268/month.
Which city has higher income, Bellevue or Joliet?
Median household income is $161,300 in Bellevue and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $73,274/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Illinois?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Bellevue or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with median rent of $2,505/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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