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

Fort Collins

Colorado
137
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Fort Collins is 56% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,661/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 26%
$83,598/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 5%
$548,400 ↑ 121%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 55%
$1,692/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↓ 13%
169,705
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

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fort Collins, CO and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 137 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $424/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $5,088/year.

Median household income is $4,428/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fort Collins is $548,400 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Collins vs Joliet — common questions

Is Fort Collins or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fort Collins and Joliet?
Median rent in Fort Collins is $1,661/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $424/month.
Which city has higher income, Fort Collins or Joliet?
Median household income is $83,598 in Fort Collins and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $4,428/year higher in Joliet.
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 Fort Collins or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with median rent of $1,661/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 Fort Collins details → View Joliet details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fort Collins and Joliet

Fort Collins vs. Lancaster Fort Collins vs. Springfield Fort Collins vs. Pembroke Pines Fort Collins vs. Palmdale Fort Collins vs. Garden Grove Fort Collins vs. Salinas Joliet vs. Jackson Joliet vs. Surprise Joliet vs. Escondido Joliet vs. Naperville Joliet vs. Bellevue Joliet vs. Pasadena