Cost of Living: Joliet, IL vs Bridgeport, CT (2026)

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Bridgeport

Connecticut
94

Joliet is 6% cheaper than Bridgeport.

$1,237/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,405/mo ↑ 14%
$88,026/yr ↑ 56%
Median Income
$56,584/yr ↓ 36%
$248,600 ↓ 2%
Home Value
$252,400 ↑ 2%
$1,472/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,475/mo ≈ Same
149,785
Population
148,012

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
2.07%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

16.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Bridgeport, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 94 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $168/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $2,016/year.

Median household income is $31,442/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $252,400 in Bridgeport.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Bridgeport — common questions

Is Joliet or Bridgeport cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 94 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Bridgeport?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Bridgeport it's $1,405/month — a difference of $168/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Bridgeport?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $56,584 in Bridgeport. Median household income is $31,442/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Connecticut?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Joliet or Bridgeport?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Bridgeport has a cost index of 94 with rent of $1,405/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Bridgeport details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Joliet and Bridgeport

Joliet vs. Jackson Joliet vs. Surprise Joliet vs. Escondido Joliet vs. Naperville Joliet vs. Bellevue Joliet vs. Pasadena Bridgeport vs. Pomona Bridgeport vs. Rockford Bridgeport vs. Mesquite Bridgeport vs. Savannah Bridgeport vs. Pasadena Bridgeport vs. Denton