Cost of Living: Des Moines, IA vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Des Moines

Iowa
70
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Des Moines is 20% cheaper than Joliet.

$1,054/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↑ 17%
$63,966/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 38%
$183,700 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$248,600 ↑ 35%
$1,137/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↑ 29%
212,464
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.57%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Des Moines, IA and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 70 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $183/month cheaper in Des Moines, saving renters about $2,196/year.

Median household income is $24,060/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Des Moines is $183,700 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Joliet slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Des Moines vs Joliet — common questions

Is Des Moines or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Des Moines is cheaper to live in with an index of 70 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Des Moines and Joliet?
Median rent in Des Moines is $1,054/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $183/month.
Which city has higher income, Des Moines or Joliet?
Median household income is $63,966 in Des Moines and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $24,060/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Illinois?
Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Des Moines or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Des Moines has a cost index of 70 with median rent of $1,054/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 Des Moines details → View Joliet details →

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