Cost of Living: Joliet, IL vs Allentown, PA (2026)

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Allentown

Pennsylvania
79

Joliet is 11% more expensive than Allentown.

$1,237/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,269/mo ↑ 3%
$88,026/yr ↑ 65%
Median Income
$53,403/yr ↓ 39%
$248,600 ↑ 32%
Home Value
$188,900 ↓ 24%
$1,472/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,243/mo ↓ 16%
149,785
Population
125,320

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
3.07%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

16.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

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

Median household income is $34,623/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $188,900 in Allentown.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Allentown slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Allentown — common questions

Is Joliet or Allentown cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Allentown is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Allentown?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Allentown it's $1,269/month — a difference of $32/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Allentown?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $53,403 in Allentown. Median household income is $34,623/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Pennsylvania?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Joliet or Allentown?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Allentown has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,269/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Allentown details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Joliet and Allentown

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