Cost of Living: Joliet, IL vs Warren, MI (2026)

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Warren

Michigan
73

Joliet is 21% more expensive than Warren.

$1,237/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,184/mo ↓ 4%
$88,026/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$63,741/yr ↓ 28%
$248,600 ↑ 37%
Home Value
$181,900 ↓ 27%
$1,472/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,098/mo ↓ 25%
149,785
Population
138,128

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

16.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Warren, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $53/month cheaper in Warren, saving renters about $636/year.

Median household income is $24,285/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $181,900 in Warren.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Warren slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Warren — common questions

Is Joliet or Warren cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Warren is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Warren?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Warren it's $1,184/month — a difference of $53/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Warren?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $63,741 in Warren. Median household income is $24,285/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Michigan?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Joliet or Warren?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Warren has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,184/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Warren details →

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