Cost of Living: Cincinnati, OH vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Cincinnati

Ohio
69
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Cincinnati is 22% cheaper than Joliet.

$953/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↑ 30%
$51,707/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 70%
$215,300 ↓ 13%
Home Value
$248,600 ↑ 15%
$1,041/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↑ 41%
309,595
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.53%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cincinnati, OH and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $284/month cheaper in Cincinnati, saving renters about $3,408/year.

Median household income is $36,319/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cincinnati is $215,300 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Cincinnati slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cincinnati vs Joliet — common questions

Is Cincinnati or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cincinnati is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cincinnati and Joliet?
Median rent in Cincinnati is $953/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $284/month.
Which city has higher income, Cincinnati or Joliet?
Median household income is $51,707 in Cincinnati and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $36,319/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Illinois?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Cincinnati or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Cincinnati has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $953/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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