Cost of Living: Madison, WI vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Madison

Wisconsin
103
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Madison is 17% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,364/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 9%
$76,983/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 14%
$346,900 ↑ 40%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 28%
$1,476/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ≈ Same
275,568
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

7.65%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.61%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Madison, WI and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 103 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $127/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $1,524/year.

Median household income is $11,043/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Madison is $346,900 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Madison vs Joliet — common questions

Is Madison or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Madison and Joliet?
Median rent in Madison is $1,364/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $127/month.
Which city has higher income, Madison or Joliet?
Median household income is $76,983 in Madison and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $11,043/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Wisconsin and Illinois?
Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Madison or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Madison has a cost index of 103 with median rent of $1,364/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 Madison details → View Joliet details →

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