Cost of Living: Joliet, IL vs Manchester, NH (2026)

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Manchester

New Hampshire
106

Joliet is 17% cheaper than Manchester.

$1,237/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,465/mo ↑ 18%
$88,026/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$77,415/yr ↓ 12%
$248,600 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$336,300 ↑ 35%
$1,472/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,548/mo ↑ 5%
149,785
Population
115,415

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
0%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.86%

Affordability

16.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Manchester, NH, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $228/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $2,736/year.

Median household income is $10,611/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $336,300 in Manchester.

New Hampshire has no state income tax, giving Manchester residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Manchester — common questions

Is Joliet or Manchester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Manchester?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Manchester it's $1,465/month — a difference of $228/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Manchester?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $77,415 in Manchester. Median household income is $10,611/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and New Hampshire?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. New Hampshire has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.86% property tax.
Should I move to Joliet or Manchester?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Manchester has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,465/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Manchester details →

More Comparisons

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