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

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Peoria

Illinois
61

Joliet is 44% more expensive than Peoria.

$1,237/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$951/mo ↓ 23%
$88,026/yr ↑ 50%
Median Income
$58,716/yr ↓ 33%
$248,600 ↑ 66%
Home Value
$149,500 ↓ 40%
$1,472/mo ↑ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,007/mo ↓ 32%
149,785
Population
112,126

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
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Peoria, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $286/month cheaper in Peoria, saving renters about $3,432/year.

Median household income is $29,310/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $149,500 in Peoria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Peoria — common questions

Is Joliet or Peoria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Peoria is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Peoria?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Peoria it's $951/month — a difference of $286/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Peoria?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $58,716 in Peoria. Median household income is $29,310/year higher in Joliet.
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 Peoria?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Peoria has a cost index of 61 with rent of $951/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Peoria details →

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