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

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Columbus is 6% cheaper than Joliet.

$1,224/mo ↓ 1%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↑ 1%
$65,327/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 35%
$234,500 ↓ 6%
Home Value
$248,600 ↑ 6%
$1,243/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↑ 18%
906,480
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

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $22,699/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Joliet — common questions

Is Columbus or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbus is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Joliet?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $13/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Joliet?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $22,699/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 Columbus or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/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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