Cost of Living: Joliet, IL vs Stamford, CT (2026)

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Stamford

Connecticut
172

Joliet is 49% cheaper than Stamford.

$1,237/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$2,207/mo ↑ 78%
$88,026/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$107,474/yr ↑ 22%
$248,600 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$614,300 ↑ 147%
$1,472/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$2,358/mo ↑ 60%
149,785
Population
135,806

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
2.07%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

16.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Stamford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $970/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $11,640/year.

Median household income is $19,448/year higher in Stamford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $614,300 in Stamford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Stamford — common questions

Is Joliet or Stamford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Stamford?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Stamford it's $2,207/month — a difference of $970/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Stamford?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $107,474 in Stamford. Median household income is $19,448/year higher in Stamford.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Connecticut?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Joliet or Stamford?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Stamford has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,207/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Stamford details →

More Comparisons

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