Cost of Living: Joliet, IL vs Hartford, CT (2026)

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Hartford

Connecticut
81

Joliet is 9% more expensive than Hartford.

$1,237/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↓ 1%
$88,026/yr ↑ 94%
Median Income
$45,300/yr ↓ 49%
$248,600 ↑ 14%
Home Value
$217,200 ↓ 13%
$1,472/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,279/mo ↓ 13%
149,785
Population
119,970

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
2.07%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

16.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Hartford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $42,726/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $217,200 in Hartford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Hartford — common questions

Is Joliet or Hartford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hartford is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Hartford?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Hartford it's $1,221/month — a difference of $16/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Hartford?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $45,300 in Hartford. Median household income is $42,726/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Connecticut?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Joliet or Hartford?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Hartford has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,221/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Hartford details →

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