Cost of Living: Joliet, IL vs Fargo, ND (2026)

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Fargo

North Dakota
73

Joliet is 21% more expensive than Fargo.

$1,237/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$916/mo ↓ 26%
$88,026/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$66,029/yr ↓ 25%
$248,600 ↓ 8%
Home Value
$269,800 ↑ 9%
$1,472/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$997/mo ↓ 32%
149,785
Population
129,064

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.98%

Affordability

16.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Fargo, ND, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $321/month cheaper in Fargo, saving renters about $3,852/year.

Median household income is $21,997/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $269,800 in Fargo.

North Dakota has a lower income tax rate, making Fargo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Fargo — common questions

Is Joliet or Fargo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fargo is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Fargo?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Fargo it's $916/month — a difference of $321/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Fargo?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $66,029 in Fargo. Median household income is $21,997/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and North Dakota?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. North Dakota has 2.5% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.98% property tax.
Should I move to Joliet or Fargo?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Fargo has a cost index of 73 with rent of $916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Fargo details →

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