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

Spokane

Washington
90
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Spokane and Joliet have a similar cost of living.

$1,141/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↑ 8%
$65,745/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 34%
$326,200 ↑ 31%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 24%
$1,213/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↑ 21%
229,228
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Spokane, WA and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 90 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $96/month cheaper in Spokane, saving renters about $1,152/year.

Median household income is $22,281/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Spokane is $326,200 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Spokane vs Joliet — common questions

Is Spokane or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 90 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Spokane and Joliet?
Median rent in Spokane is $1,141/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $96/month.
Which city has higher income, Spokane or Joliet?
Median household income is $65,745 in Spokane and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $22,281/year higher in Joliet.
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 Spokane or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Spokane has a cost index of 90 with median rent of $1,141/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 Spokane details → View Joliet details →

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