Cost of Living: Richmond, VA vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Richmond

Virginia
98
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Richmond is 11% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,314/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 6%
$62,671/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 40%
$328,100 ↑ 32%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 24%
$1,374/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↑ 7%
227,595
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

25.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Richmond, VA and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 98 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $77/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $924/year.

Median household income is $25,355/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Richmond is $328,100 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond vs Joliet — common questions

Is Richmond or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 98 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Richmond and Joliet?
Median rent in Richmond is $1,314/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $77/month.
Which city has higher income, Richmond or Joliet?
Median household income is $62,671 in Richmond and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $25,355/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Illinois?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Richmond or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Richmond has a cost index of 98 with median rent of $1,314/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 Richmond details → View Joliet details →

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