Cost of Living: Joliet, IL vs Independence, MO (2026)

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Joliet is 31% more expensive than Independence.

$1,237/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 14%
$88,026/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 32%
$248,600 ↑ 49%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 33%
$1,472/mo ↑ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 29%
149,785
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

16.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $176/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $2,112/year.

Median household income is $28,546/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Independence — common questions

Is Joliet or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Independence?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $176/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Independence?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $28,546/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Missouri?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Joliet or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Independence has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,061/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Independence details →

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