Cost of Living: Joliet, IL vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Joliet is 21% cheaper than Elizabeth.

$1,237/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↑ 18%
$88,026/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 27%
$248,600 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$393,500 ↑ 58%
$1,472/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↑ 5%
149,785
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
10.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
2.07%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

16.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $226/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $2,712/year.

Median household income is $24,152/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Joliet or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $226/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $24,152/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and New Jersey?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Joliet or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Elizabeth details →

More Comparisons

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