Cost of Living: Joliet, IL vs Cedar Rapids, IA (2026)

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Cedar Rapids

Iowa
65

Joliet is 35% more expensive than Cedar Rapids.

$1,237/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$925/mo ↓ 25%
$88,026/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$67,859/yr ↓ 23%
$248,600 ↑ 40%
Home Value
$177,100 ↓ 29%
$1,472/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 26%
149,785
Population
136,859

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.57%

Affordability

16.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Cedar Rapids, IA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $312/month cheaper in Cedar Rapids, saving renters about $3,744/year.

Median household income is $20,167/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $177,100 in Cedar Rapids.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Cedar Rapids — common questions

Is Joliet or Cedar Rapids cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cedar Rapids is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Cedar Rapids?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Cedar Rapids it's $925/month — a difference of $312/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Cedar Rapids?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $67,859 in Cedar Rapids. Median household income is $20,167/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Iowa?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Iowa has 5.7% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.
Should I move to Joliet or Cedar Rapids?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Cedar Rapids has a cost index of 65 with rent of $925/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Cedar Rapids details →

More Comparisons

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