Cost of Living: Joliet, IL vs Billings, MT (2026)

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Billings

Montana
86

Joliet and Billings have a similar cost of living.

$1,237/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,097/mo ↓ 11%
$88,026/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$71,855/yr ↓ 18%
$248,600 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$311,800 ↑ 25%
$1,472/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,177/mo ↓ 20%
149,785
Population
118,321

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
6.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.74%

Affordability

16.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Billings, MT, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 86 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $140/month cheaper in Billings, saving renters about $1,680/year.

Median household income is $16,171/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $311,800 in Billings.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Billings — common questions

Is Joliet or Billings cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Billings is cheaper to live in with an index of 86 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Billings?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Billings it's $1,097/month — a difference of $140/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Billings?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $71,855 in Billings. Median household income is $16,171/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Montana?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Montana has 6.75% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.74% property tax.
Should I move to Joliet or Billings?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Billings has a cost index of 86 with rent of $1,097/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Billings details →

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