Cost of Living: Joliet, IL vs Columbia, MO (2026)

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Columbia

Missouri
80

Joliet is 10% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,237/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↓ 14%
$88,026/yr ↑ 36%
Median Income
$64,488/yr ↓ 27%
$248,600 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$268,300 ↑ 8%
$1,472/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 24%
149,785
Population
127,200

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

16.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Columbia, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $170/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $2,040/year.

Median household income is $23,538/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $268,300 in Columbia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Columbia — common questions

Is Joliet or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Columbia?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Columbia it's $1,067/month — a difference of $170/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Columbia?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $64,488 in Columbia. Median household income is $23,538/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Missouri?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Joliet or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,067/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Columbia details →

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