Cost of Living: Joliet, IL vs Lansing, MI (2026)

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Lansing

Michigan
58

Joliet is 52% more expensive than Lansing.

$1,237/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$976/mo ↓ 21%
$88,026/yr ↑ 69%
Median Income
$52,170/yr ↓ 41%
$248,600 ↑ 108%
Home Value
$119,400 ↓ 52%
$1,472/mo ↑ 51%
Owner Costs
$978/mo ↓ 34%
149,785
Population
112,546

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

16.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Lansing, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $261/month cheaper in Lansing, saving renters about $3,132/year.

Median household income is $35,856/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $119,400 in Lansing.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Lansing slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Lansing — common questions

Is Joliet or Lansing cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lansing is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Lansing?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Lansing it's $976/month — a difference of $261/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Lansing?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $52,170 in Lansing. Median household income is $35,856/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Michigan?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Joliet or Lansing?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Lansing has a cost index of 58 with rent of $976/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Lansing details →

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