Cost of Living: Joliet, IL vs Dayton, OH (2026)

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Dayton

Ohio
50

Joliet is 76% more expensive than Dayton.

$1,237/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$866/mo ↓ 30%
$88,026/yr ↑ 103%
Median Income
$43,454/yr ↓ 51%
$248,600 ↑ 167%
Home Value
$93,200 ↓ 63%
$1,472/mo ↑ 77%
Owner Costs
$833/mo ↓ 43%
149,785
Population
136,741

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
3.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

16.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Dayton, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 50 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $371/month cheaper in Dayton, saving renters about $4,452/year.

Median household income is $44,572/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $93,200 in Dayton.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Dayton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Dayton — common questions

Is Joliet or Dayton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dayton is cheaper to live in with an index of 50 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Dayton?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Dayton it's $866/month — a difference of $371/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Dayton?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $43,454 in Dayton. Median household income is $44,572/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Ohio?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Joliet or Dayton?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Dayton has a cost index of 50 with rent of $866/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Dayton details →

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