Cost of Living: Louisville, KY vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Louisville is 16% cheaper than Joliet.

$1,069/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↑ 16%
$64,731/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 36%
$221,500 ↓ 11%
Home Value
$248,600 ↑ 12%
$1,118/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↑ 32%
627,210
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.83%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $168/month cheaper in Louisville, saving renters about $2,016/year.

Median household income is $23,295/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

Kentucky has a lower income tax rate, making Louisville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs Joliet — common questions

Is Louisville or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Louisville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Louisville and Joliet?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $168/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Joliet?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $23,295/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Illinois?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Louisville or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/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.
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