Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Portland is 57% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,596/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 22%
$88,792/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$88,026/yr ≈ Same
$557,600 ↑ 124%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 55%
$1,771/mo ↑ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↓ 17%
642,715
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
4.95%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.93%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $359/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $4,308/year.

Median household income is $766/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Joliet — common questions

Is Portland or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Joliet?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $359/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Joliet?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $766/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and Illinois?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Joliet details →

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