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

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Springfield

Illinois
61

Joliet is 44% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,237/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$945/mo ↓ 24%
$88,026/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$65,537/yr ↓ 26%
$248,600 ↑ 60%
Home Value
$155,200 ↓ 38%
$1,472/mo ↑ 51%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 34%
149,785
Population
113,714

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
17.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Springfield, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $292/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $3,504/year.

Median household income is $22,489/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $155,200 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Springfield — common questions

Is Joliet or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Springfield?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Springfield it's $945/month — a difference of $292/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Springfield?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $65,537 in Springfield. Median household income is $22,489/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 Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 61 with rent of $945/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Springfield details →

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