Cost of Living: Joliet, IL vs Meridian, ID (2026)

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Meridian

Idaho
131

Joliet is 33% cheaper than Meridian.

$1,237/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,714/mo ↑ 39%
$88,026/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$98,686/yr ↑ 12%
$248,600 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$485,000 ↑ 95%
$1,472/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 9%
149,785
Population
124,865

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.8%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.63%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Meridian, ID, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 131 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $477/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $5,724/year.

Median household income is $10,660/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $485,000 in Meridian.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Meridian — common questions

Is Joliet or Meridian cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Meridian?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Meridian it's $1,714/month — a difference of $477/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Meridian?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $98,686 in Meridian. Median household income is $10,660/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Idaho?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax.
Should I move to Joliet or Meridian?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Meridian has a cost index of 131 with rent of $1,714/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Meridian details →

More Comparisons

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