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

Cleveland

Ohio
51
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Cleveland is 42% cheaper than Joliet.

$894/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↑ 38%
$39,187/yr ↓ 55%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 125%
$94,100 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$248,600 ↑ 164%
$866/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↑ 70%
367,523
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

27.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cleveland, OH and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 51 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $343/month cheaper in Cleveland, saving renters about $4,116/year.

Median household income is $48,839/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cleveland is $94,100 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cleveland vs Joliet — common questions

Is Cleveland or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cleveland is cheaper to live in with an index of 51 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cleveland and Joliet?
Median rent in Cleveland is $894/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $343/month.
Which city has higher income, Cleveland or Joliet?
Median household income is $39,187 in Cleveland and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $48,839/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 Cleveland or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Cleveland has a cost index of 51 with median rent of $894/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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