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

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Rockford

Illinois
57

Joliet is 54% more expensive than Rockford.

$1,237/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$954/mo ↓ 23%
$88,026/yr ↑ 65%
Median Income
$53,328/yr ↓ 39%
$248,600 ↑ 106%
Home Value
$120,900 ↓ 51%
$1,472/mo ↑ 55%
Owner Costs
$947/mo ↓ 36%
149,785
Population
147,649

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
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Rockford, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $283/month cheaper in Rockford, saving renters about $3,396/year.

Median household income is $34,698/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $120,900 in Rockford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Rockford — common questions

Is Joliet or Rockford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rockford is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Rockford?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Rockford it's $954/month — a difference of $283/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Rockford?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $53,328 in Rockford. Median household income is $34,698/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 Rockford?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Rockford has a cost index of 57 with rent of $954/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Rockford details →

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