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

Kansas City

Kansas City
65
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Kansas City is 26% cheaper than Joliet.

$1,073/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↑ 15%
$59,183/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 49%
$147,100 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$248,600 ↑ 69%
$1,054/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↑ 40%
154,776
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Kansas City, KS and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $164/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $1,968/year.

Median household income is $28,843/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Kansas City is $147,100 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas City vs Joliet — common questions

Is Kansas City or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Kansas City and Joliet?
Median rent in Kansas City is $1,073/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $164/month.
Which city has higher income, Kansas City or Joliet?
Median household income is $59,183 in Kansas City and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $28,843/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Illinois?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Kansas City or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Kansas City has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $1,073/mo, while Joliet has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,237/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Kansas City details → View Joliet details →

More Comparisons

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