Cost of Living: Joliet, IL vs New Haven, CT (2026)

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

New Haven

Connecticut
95

Joliet is 7% cheaper than New Haven.

$1,237/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,442/mo ↑ 17%
$88,026/yr ↑ 64%
Median Income
$53,771/yr ↓ 39%
$248,600 ≈ Same
Home Value
$249,000 ≈ Same
$1,472/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,520/mo ↑ 3%
149,785
Population
132,893

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
2.07%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

16.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and New Haven, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $205/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $2,460/year.

Median household income is $34,255/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $249,000 in New Haven.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs New Haven — common questions

Is Joliet or New Haven cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and New Haven?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in New Haven it's $1,442/month — a difference of $205/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or New Haven?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $53,771 in New Haven. Median household income is $34,255/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Connecticut?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Joliet or New Haven?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while New Haven has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,442/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View New Haven details →

More Comparisons

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