Cost of Living: Minneapolis, MN vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Minneapolis

Minnesota
102
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Minneapolis is 16% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,329/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 7%
$80,269/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 10%
$345,600 ↑ 39%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 28%
$1,513/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↓ 3%
426,845
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.11%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

19.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Minneapolis, MN and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $92/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $1,104/year.

Median household income is $7,757/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Minneapolis is $345,600 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Minneapolis vs Joliet — common questions

Is Minneapolis or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Minneapolis and Joliet?
Median rent in Minneapolis is $1,329/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $92/month.
Which city has higher income, Minneapolis or Joliet?
Median household income is $80,269 in Minneapolis and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $7,757/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Illinois?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Minneapolis or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Minneapolis has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,329/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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More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Minneapolis and Joliet

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