Cost of Living: Detroit, MI vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Detroit

Michigan
53
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Detroit is 40% cheaper than Joliet.

$1,034/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↑ 20%
$39,575/yr ↓ 55%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 122%
$76,800 ↓ 69%
Home Value
$248,600 ↑ 224%
$868/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↑ 70%
636,644
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.38%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

31.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Detroit, MI and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 53 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $203/month cheaper in Detroit, saving renters about $2,436/year.

Median household income is $48,451/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Detroit is $76,800 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Detroit slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Detroit vs Joliet — common questions

Is Detroit or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Detroit is cheaper to live in with an index of 53 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Detroit and Joliet?
Median rent in Detroit is $1,034/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $203/month.
Which city has higher income, Detroit or Joliet?
Median household income is $39,575 in Detroit and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $48,451/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and Illinois?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Detroit or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Detroit has a cost index of 53 with median rent of $1,034/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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