Cost of Living: Joliet, IL vs Elgin, IL (2026)

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Elgin

Illinois
90

Joliet and Elgin have a similar cost of living.

$1,237/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,260/mo ↑ 2%
$88,026/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$88,316/yr ≈ Same
$248,600 ↓ 2%
Home Value
$252,400 ↑ 2%
$1,472/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,502/mo ↑ 2%
149,785
Population
114,106

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

16.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Elgin, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 90 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $290/year higher in Elgin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $252,400 in Elgin.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Illinois.

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Elgin — common questions

Is Joliet or Elgin cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Elgin?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Elgin it's $1,260/month — a difference of $23/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Elgin?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $88,316 in Elgin. Median household income is $290/year higher in Elgin.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Illinois?
Both cities are in Illinois and share the same state tax rates: 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Joliet or Elgin?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Elgin has a cost index of 90 with rent of $1,260/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Elgin details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Joliet and Elgin

Joliet vs. Jackson Joliet vs. Surprise Joliet vs. Escondido Joliet vs. Naperville Joliet vs. Bellevue Joliet vs. Pasadena Elgin vs. Provo Elgin vs. Odessa Elgin vs. Waterbury Elgin vs. Springfield Elgin vs. Carlsbad Elgin vs. Beaumont