Cost of Living: Jersey City, NJ vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Jersey City is 68% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,902/mo ↑ 54%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 35%
$94,813/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↓ 7%
$534,500 ↑ 115%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 53%
$2,006/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↓ 27%
289,691
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.23%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $665/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $7,980/year.

Median household income is $6,787/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Joliet — common questions

Is Jersey City or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Joliet?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $665/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Joliet?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $6,787/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Illinois?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Jersey City or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/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 Jersey City details → View Joliet details →

More Comparisons

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