Cost of Living: Joliet, IL vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Joliet is 5% cheaper than Rochester.

$1,237/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↑ 6%
$88,026/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$87,767/yr ≈ Same
$248,600 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$287,500 ↑ 16%
$1,472/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 10%
149,785
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
9.85%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

16.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $79/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $948/year.

Median household income is $259/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Rochester — common questions

Is Joliet or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 93 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Rochester?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $79/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Rochester?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $259/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Minnesota?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Joliet or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Rochester details →

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