Cost of Living: Joliet, IL vs Olathe, KS (2026)

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Olathe

Kansas
104

Joliet is 15% cheaper than Olathe.

$1,237/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,314/mo ↑ 6%
$88,026/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$112,232/yr ↑ 27%
$248,600 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$340,600 ↑ 37%
$1,472/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,662/mo ↑ 13%
149,785
Population
143,720

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

16.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
14.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Olathe, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $77/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $924/year.

Median household income is $24,206/year higher in Olathe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $340,600 in Olathe.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Olathe — common questions

Is Joliet or Olathe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Olathe?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Olathe it's $1,314/month — a difference of $77/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Olathe?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $112,232 in Olathe. Median household income is $24,206/year higher in Olathe.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Kansas?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Joliet or Olathe?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Olathe has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,314/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Olathe details →

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