St. Louis, MO vs Joliet, IL: 66 vs 88

$978/mo ↓ 21%

Median Rent

$1,237/mo ↑ 26%

$55,279/yr ↓ 37%

Median Income

$88,026/yr ↑ 59%

$185,100 ↓ 26%

Home Value

$248,600 ↑ 34%

$1,013/mo ↓ 31%

Owner Costs

$1,472/mo ↑ 45%

293,109

Population

149,785

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Louis, MO and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 66 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $259/month cheaper in St. Louis, saving renters about $3,108/year.

Median household income is $32,747/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Louis is $185,100 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Louis vs Joliet — common questions

Is St. Louis or Joliet cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, St. Louis is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 88 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between St. Louis and Joliet?

Median rent in St. Louis is $978/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $259/month.

Which city has higher income, St. Louis or Joliet?

Median household income is $55,279 in St. Louis and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $32,747/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 St. Louis or Joliet?

It depends on your priorities. St. Louis has a cost index of 66 with median rent of $978/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.

Cost of Living: St. Louis, MO vs Joliet, IL (2026)

St. Louis

Joliet

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