Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Seattle is 123% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,998/mo ↑ 62%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 38%
$121,984/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↓ 28%
$912,100 ↑ 267%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 73%
$2,220/mo ↑ 51%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↓ 34%
741,440
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $761/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $9,132/year.

Median household income is $33,958/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Joliet — common questions

Is Seattle or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Joliet?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $761/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Joliet?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $33,958/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Illinois?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Joliet details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Joliet

Seattle vs. San Francisco Seattle vs. Denver Seattle vs. Indianapolis Seattle vs. Oklahoma City Seattle vs. Charlotte Seattle vs. Nashville Joliet vs. Jackson Joliet vs. Surprise Joliet vs. Escondido Joliet vs. Naperville Joliet vs. Bellevue Joliet vs. Pasadena