Cost of Living: Indianapolis, IN vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Indianapolis is 16% cheaper than Joliet.

$1,112/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↑ 11%
$62,995/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 40%
$207,000 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$248,600 ↑ 20%
$1,124/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↑ 31%
882,043
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.83%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $125/month cheaper in Indianapolis, saving renters about $1,500/year.

Median household income is $25,031/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Indianapolis slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Joliet — common questions

Is Indianapolis or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Indianapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Joliet?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $125/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Joliet?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $25,031/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Illinois?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Indianapolis or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/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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