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

Lakewood

Colorado
141
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Lakewood is 60% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,746/mo ↑ 41%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 29%
$85,789/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 3%
$548,200 ↑ 121%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 55%
$1,729/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↓ 15%
156,309
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lakewood, CO and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 141 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $509/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $6,108/year.

Median household income is $2,237/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lakewood is $548,200 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lakewood vs Joliet — common questions

Is Lakewood or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lakewood and Joliet?
Median rent in Lakewood is $1,746/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $509/month.
Which city has higher income, Lakewood or Joliet?
Median household income is $85,789 in Lakewood and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $2,237/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Illinois?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Lakewood or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with median rent of $1,746/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 Lakewood details → View Joliet details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lakewood and Joliet

Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield Joliet vs. Jackson Joliet vs. Surprise Joliet vs. Escondido Joliet vs. Naperville Joliet vs. Bellevue Joliet vs. Pasadena