Cost of Living: Joliet, IL vs Thornton, CO (2026)

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Thornton

Colorado
138

Joliet is 36% cheaper than Thornton.

$1,237/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,810/mo ↑ 46%
$88,026/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$100,985/yr ↑ 15%
$248,600 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$482,200 ↑ 94%
$1,472/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,914/mo ↑ 30%
149,785
Population
142,878

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

16.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Thornton, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $573/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $6,876/year.

Median household income is $12,959/year higher in Thornton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $482,200 in Thornton.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Thornton slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Thornton — common questions

Is Joliet or Thornton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Thornton?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Thornton it's $1,810/month — a difference of $573/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Thornton?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $100,985 in Thornton. Median household income is $12,959/year higher in Thornton.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Colorado?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Joliet or Thornton?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Thornton has a cost index of 138 with rent of $1,810/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Thornton details →

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