Cost of Living: Joliet, IL vs Sparks, NV (2026)

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Sparks

Nevada
126

Joliet is 30% cheaper than Sparks.

$1,237/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,651/mo ↑ 33%
$88,026/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$86,979/yr ↓ 1%
$248,600 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$455,900 ↑ 83%
$1,472/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,610/mo ↑ 9%
149,785
Population
109,106

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.85%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.53%

Affordability

16.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Sparks, NV, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $414/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $4,968/year.

Median household income is $1,047/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $455,900 in Sparks.

Nevada has no state income tax, giving Sparks residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Sparks — common questions

Is Joliet or Sparks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Sparks?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Sparks it's $1,651/month — a difference of $414/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Sparks?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $86,979 in Sparks. Median household income is $1,047/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Nevada?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax.
Should I move to Joliet or Sparks?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Sparks has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,651/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Sparks details →

More Comparisons

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