Cost of Living: Miami, FL vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Miami

Florida
129
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Miami is 47% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,657/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 25%
$59,390/yr ↓ 33%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 48%
$475,200 ↑ 91%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 48%
$1,666/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↓ 12%
446,663
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

33.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Miami, FL and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 129 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $420/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $5,040/year.

Median household income is $28,636/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Miami is $475,200 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Miami residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Miami vs Joliet — common questions

Is Miami or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 129 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Miami and Joliet?
Median rent in Miami is $1,657/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $420/month.
Which city has higher income, Miami or Joliet?
Median household income is $59,390 in Miami and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $28,636/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Illinois?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Miami or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Miami has a cost index of 129 with median rent of $1,657/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 Miami details → View Joliet details →

More Comparisons

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