Cost of Living: Joliet, IL vs Evansville, IN (2026)

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Evansville

Indiana
57

Joliet is 54% more expensive than Evansville.

$1,237/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$949/mo ↓ 23%
$88,026/yr ↑ 68%
Median Income
$52,251/yr ↓ 41%
$248,600 ↑ 93%
Home Value
$129,100 ↓ 48%
$1,472/mo ↑ 60%
Owner Costs
$919/mo ↓ 38%
149,785
Population
116,441

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
3.05%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

16.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Evansville, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $288/month cheaper in Evansville, saving renters about $3,456/year.

Median household income is $35,775/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $129,100 in Evansville.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Evansville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Evansville — common questions

Is Joliet or Evansville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Evansville is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Evansville?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Evansville it's $949/month — a difference of $288/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Evansville?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $52,251 in Evansville. Median household income is $35,775/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Indiana?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Joliet or Evansville?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Evansville has a cost index of 57 with rent of $949/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Evansville details →

More Comparisons

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Joliet vs. Jackson Joliet vs. Surprise Joliet vs. Escondido Joliet vs. Naperville Joliet vs. Bellevue Joliet vs. Pasadena Evansville vs. The Woodlands Evansville vs. Brandon Evansville vs. Lakeland Evansville vs. West Jordan Evansville vs. Clearwater Evansville vs. Broken Arrow