Cost of Living: Chicago, IL vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Chicago

Illinois
100
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Chicago is 14% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,380/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 10%
$75,134/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 17%
$315,200 ↑ 27%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 21%
$1,502/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↓ 2%
2,707,648
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chicago, IL and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $143/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $1,716/year.

Median household income is $12,892/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chicago is $315,200 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Illinois.

Frequently Asked Questions

Chicago vs Joliet — common questions

Is Chicago or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chicago and Joliet?
Median rent in Chicago is $1,380/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $143/month.
Which city has higher income, Chicago or Joliet?
Median household income is $75,134 in Chicago and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $12,892/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Illinois?
Both cities are in Illinois and share the same state tax rates: 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Chicago or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Chicago has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,380/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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More Comparisons

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