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

Salem

Oregon
105
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Salem is 19% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,323/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 7%
$71,900/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 22%
$382,400 ↑ 54%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 35%
$1,440/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↑ 2%
176,666
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salem, OR and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $86/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $1,032/year.

Median household income is $16,126/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salem is $382,400 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salem vs Joliet — common questions

Is Salem or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salem and Joliet?
Median rent in Salem is $1,323/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $86/month.
Which city has higher income, Salem or Joliet?
Median household income is $71,900 in Salem and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $16,126/year higher in Joliet.
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 Salem or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Salem has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,323/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 Salem details → View Joliet details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Salem and Joliet

Salem vs. Cary Salem vs. Rancho Cucamonga Salem vs. Santa Rosa Salem vs. Oceanside Salem vs. Elk Grove Salem vs. Clarksville Joliet vs. Jackson Joliet vs. Surprise Joliet vs. Escondido Joliet vs. Naperville Joliet vs. Bellevue Joliet vs. Pasadena