Cost of Living: Buffalo, NY vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Buffalo

New York
61
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Buffalo is 31% cheaper than Joliet.

$989/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↑ 25%
$48,050/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 83%
$152,300 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$248,600 ↑ 63%
$929/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↑ 58%
276,397
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.62%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

24.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Buffalo, NY and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 61 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $248/month cheaper in Buffalo, saving renters about $2,976/year.

Median household income is $39,976/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Buffalo is $152,300 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Buffalo vs Joliet — common questions

Is Buffalo or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Buffalo is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Buffalo and Joliet?
Median rent in Buffalo is $989/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $248/month.
Which city has higher income, Buffalo or Joliet?
Median household income is $48,050 in Buffalo and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $39,976/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between New York and Illinois?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Buffalo or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Buffalo has a cost index of 61 with median rent of $989/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 Buffalo details → View Joliet details →

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