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

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Joliet is 42% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,237/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 46%
$88,026/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 29%
$248,600 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 142%
$1,472/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 32%
149,785
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

16.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $565/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $6,780/year.

Median household income is $25,370/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Arvada — common questions

Is Joliet or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Arvada?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $565/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Arvada?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $25,370/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Colorado?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Joliet or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Arvada details →

More Comparisons

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