Cost of Living: Joliet, IL vs Syracuse, NY (2026)

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Syracuse

New York
59

Joliet is 49% more expensive than Syracuse.

$1,237/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 19%
$88,026/yr ↑ 92%
Median Income
$45,845/yr ↓ 48%
$248,600 ↑ 99%
Home Value
$125,100 ↓ 50%
$1,472/mo ↑ 50%
Owner Costs
$980/mo ↓ 33%
149,785
Population
146,211

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
10.9%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

16.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Syracuse, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 59 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $239/month cheaper in Syracuse, saving renters about $2,868/year.

Median household income is $42,181/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $125,100 in Syracuse.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Syracuse — common questions

Is Joliet or Syracuse cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Syracuse?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Syracuse it's $998/month — a difference of $239/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Syracuse?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $45,845 in Syracuse. Median household income is $42,181/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and New York?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Joliet or Syracuse?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Syracuse has a cost index of 59 with rent of $998/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Syracuse details →

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