Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Newark is 14% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,330/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 7%
$48,416/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 82%
$337,800 ↑ 36%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 26%
$1,419/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↑ 4%
307,188
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.23%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $93/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $1,116/year.

Median household income is $39,610/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Joliet — common questions

Is Newark or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Joliet?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $93/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Joliet?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $39,610/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Illinois?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/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 Newark details → View Joliet details →

More Comparisons

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Newark vs. St. Paul Newark vs. Pittsburgh Newark vs. Irvine Newark vs. Greensboro Newark vs. Cincinnati Newark vs. St. Louis Joliet vs. Jackson Joliet vs. Surprise Joliet vs. Escondido Joliet vs. Naperville Joliet vs. Bellevue Joliet vs. Pasadena