Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Denver is 67% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,770/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 30%
$91,681/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↓ 4%
$586,700 ↑ 136%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 58%
$1,839/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↓ 20%
713,734
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.95%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.51%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $533/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $6,396/year.

Median household income is $3,655/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Denver slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Joliet — common questions

Is Denver or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Joliet?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $533/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Joliet?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $3,655/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Illinois?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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 Denver details → View Joliet details →

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