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

Grand Rapids

Michigan
79
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Grand Rapids is 10% cheaper than Joliet.

$1,191/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↑ 4%
$65,526/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 34%
$225,500 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$248,600 ↑ 10%
$1,136/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↑ 30%
197,768
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

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Grand Rapids, MI and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 79 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $22,500/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Grand Rapids is $225,500 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Grand Rapids vs Joliet — common questions

Is Grand Rapids or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Grand Rapids is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Grand Rapids and Joliet?
Median rent in Grand Rapids is $1,191/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $46/month.
Which city has higher income, Grand Rapids or Joliet?
Median household income is $65,526 in Grand Rapids and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $22,500/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 Grand Rapids or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Grand Rapids has a cost index of 79 with median rent of $1,191/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 Grand Rapids details → View Joliet details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Grand Rapids and Joliet

Grand Rapids vs. Montgomery Grand Rapids vs. Sioux Falls Grand Rapids vs. Grand Prairie Grand Rapids vs. Overland Park Grand Rapids vs. Sunrise Manor Grand Rapids vs. Huntington Beach Joliet vs. Jackson Joliet vs. Surprise Joliet vs. Escondido Joliet vs. Naperville Joliet vs. Bellevue Joliet vs. Pasadena