Cost of Living: Joliet, IL vs Topeka, KS (2026)

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Topeka

Kansas
58

Joliet is 52% more expensive than Topeka.

$1,237/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$947/mo ↓ 23%
$88,026/yr ↑ 57%
Median Income
$55,902/yr ↓ 36%
$248,600 ↑ 90%
Home Value
$130,600 ↓ 47%
$1,472/mo ↑ 58%
Owner Costs
$930/mo ↓ 37%
149,785
Population
126,103

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

16.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Topeka, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $290/month cheaper in Topeka, saving renters about $3,480/year.

Median household income is $32,124/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $130,600 in Topeka.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Topeka — common questions

Is Joliet or Topeka cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Topeka is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Topeka?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Topeka it's $947/month — a difference of $290/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Topeka?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $55,902 in Topeka. Median household income is $32,124/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Kansas?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Joliet or Topeka?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Topeka has a cost index of 58 with rent of $947/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Topeka details →

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