Cost of Living: New Orleans, LA vs Joliet, IL (2026)

New Orleans

Louisiana
90
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

New Orleans and Joliet have a similar cost of living.

$1,211/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↑ 2%
$55,339/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 59%
$296,400 ↑ 19%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 16%
$1,274/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↑ 16%
376,035
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.45%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.55%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

26.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Orleans, LA and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $32,687/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Orleans is $296,400 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

Louisiana has a lower income tax rate, making New Orleans slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

New Orleans vs Joliet — common questions

Is New Orleans or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Orleans and Joliet?
Median rent in New Orleans is $1,211/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $26/month.
Which city has higher income, New Orleans or Joliet?
Median household income is $55,339 in New Orleans and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $32,687/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Louisiana and Illinois?
Louisiana has 4.25% income tax, 4.45% sales tax, and 0.55% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to New Orleans or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. New Orleans has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,211/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 New Orleans details → View Joliet details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for New Orleans and Joliet

New Orleans vs. Aurora New Orleans vs. Cleveland New Orleans vs. Tampa New Orleans vs. Honolulu New Orleans vs. Arlington New Orleans vs. Anaheim Joliet vs. Jackson Joliet vs. Surprise Joliet vs. Escondido Joliet vs. Naperville Joliet vs. Bellevue Joliet vs. Pasadena