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

Milwaukee

Wisconsin
67
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Milwaukee is 24% cheaper than Joliet.

$1,033/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↑ 20%
$51,888/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 70%
$172,000 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$248,600 ↑ 45%
$1,082/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↑ 36%
569,756
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

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Milwaukee, WI and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $204/month cheaper in Milwaukee, saving renters about $2,448/year.

Median household income is $36,138/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Milwaukee is $172,000 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Milwaukee vs Joliet — common questions

Is Milwaukee or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Milwaukee is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Milwaukee and Joliet?
Median rent in Milwaukee is $1,033/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $204/month.
Which city has higher income, Milwaukee or Joliet?
Median household income is $51,888 in Milwaukee and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $36,138/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 Milwaukee or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Milwaukee has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,033/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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