Cost of Living: Springfield, MO vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Springfield

Missouri
60
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Springfield is 32% cheaper than Joliet.

$920/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↑ 34%
$45,984/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 91%
$165,200 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$248,600 ↑ 50%
$908/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↑ 62%
169,432
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.225%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.93%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Springfield, MO and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 60 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $317/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $3,804/year.

Median household income is $42,042/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Springfield is $165,200 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Springfield vs Joliet — common questions

Is Springfield or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 60 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Springfield and Joliet?
Median rent in Springfield is $920/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $317/month.
Which city has higher income, Springfield or Joliet?
Median household income is $45,984 in Springfield and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $42,042/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Missouri and Illinois?
Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% 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 Springfield or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Springfield has a cost index of 60 with median rent of $920/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 Springfield details → View Joliet details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Springfield and Joliet

Springfield vs. Fort Collins Springfield vs. Palmdale Springfield vs. Lancaster Springfield vs. Salinas Springfield vs. Pembroke Pines Springfield vs. Hayward Joliet vs. Jackson Joliet vs. Surprise Joliet vs. Escondido Joliet vs. Naperville Joliet vs. Bellevue Joliet vs. Pasadena