Cost of Living: Boise, ID vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Boise

Idaho
112
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Boise is 27% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,359/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 9%
$81,308/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 8%
$456,000 ↑ 83%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 45%
$1,337/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↑ 10%
235,701
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.63%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boise, ID and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $122/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $1,464/year.

Median household income is $6,718/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boise is $456,000 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boise vs Joliet — common questions

Is Boise or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boise and Joliet?
Median rent in Boise is $1,359/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $122/month.
Which city has higher income, Boise or Joliet?
Median household income is $81,308 in Boise and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $6,718/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and Illinois?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Boise or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Boise has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,359/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 Boise details → View Joliet details →

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