Cost of Living: Joliet, IL vs Lafayette, LA (2026)

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Lafayette

Louisiana
77

Joliet is 14% more expensive than Lafayette.

$1,237/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,065/mo ↓ 14%
$88,026/yr ↑ 43%
Median Income
$61,454/yr ↓ 30%
$248,600 ↓ 1%
Home Value
$251,300 ↑ 1%
$1,472/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,057/mo ↓ 28%
149,785
Population
121,537

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.45%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.55%

Affordability

16.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Lafayette, LA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 77 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $172/month cheaper in Lafayette, saving renters about $2,064/year.

Median household income is $26,572/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $251,300 in Lafayette.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making Lafayette slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Lafayette — common questions

Is Joliet or Lafayette cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lafayette is cheaper to live in with an index of 77 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Lafayette?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Lafayette it's $1,065/month — a difference of $172/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Lafayette?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $61,454 in Lafayette. Median household income is $26,572/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Louisiana?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax.
Should I move to Joliet or Lafayette?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Lafayette has a cost index of 77 with rent of $1,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Lafayette details →

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