Cost of Living: Joliet, IL vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Joliet is 11% more expensive than Dearborn.

$1,237/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↑ 2%
$88,026/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↓ 26%
$248,600 ↑ 21%
Home Value
$205,900 ↓ 17%
$1,472/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↓ 20%
149,785
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

16.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $22,834/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Dearborn slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Joliet or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dearborn is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Dearborn?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $27/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Dearborn?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $22,834/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Michigan?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Joliet or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Dearborn details →

More Comparisons

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