Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Boston is 100% more expensive than Joliet.

$2,093/mo ↑ 69%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 41%
$94,755/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↓ 7%
$710,400 ↑ 186%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 65%
$2,176/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↓ 32%
663,972
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $856/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $10,272/year.

Median household income is $6,729/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Joliet — common questions

Is Boston or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Joliet?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $856/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Joliet?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $6,729/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Illinois?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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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