Cost of Living: Joliet, IL vs Naperville, IL (2026)

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Naperville

Illinois
147

Joliet is 40% cheaper than Naperville.

$1,237/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$1,852/mo ↑ 50%
$88,026/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$150,937/yr ↑ 71%
$248,600 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$509,900 ↑ 105%
$1,472/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$2,161/mo ↑ 47%
149,785
Population
149,424

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

16.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Naperville, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 147 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $615/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $7,380/year.

Median household income is $62,911/year higher in Naperville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $509,900 in Naperville.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in Illinois.

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Naperville — common questions

Is Joliet or Naperville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Naperville?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Naperville it's $1,852/month — a difference of $615/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Naperville?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $150,937 in Naperville. Median household income is $62,911/year higher in Naperville.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Illinois?
Both cities are in Illinois and share the same state tax rates: 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Joliet or Naperville?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Naperville has a cost index of 147 with rent of $1,852/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Naperville details →

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