Cost of Living: St. Paul, MN vs Joliet, IL (2026)

St. Paul

Minnesota
91
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

St. Paul is 3% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,248/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ≈ Same
$73,055/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 20%
$280,300 ↑ 13%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 11%
$1,390/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↑ 6%
307,762
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.11%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Paul, MN and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 91 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $14,971/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Paul is $280,300 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Paul vs Joliet — common questions

Is St. Paul or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Paul and Joliet?
Median rent in St. Paul is $1,248/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $11/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Paul or Joliet?
Median household income is $73,055 in St. Paul and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $14,971/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and Illinois?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to St. Paul or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with median rent of $1,248/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 St. Paul details → View Joliet details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Paul and Joliet

St. Paul vs. Irvine St. Paul vs. Newark St. Paul vs. Cincinnati St. Paul vs. Pittsburgh St. Paul vs. Santa Ana St. Paul vs. Greensboro Joliet vs. Jackson Joliet vs. Surprise Joliet vs. Escondido Joliet vs. Naperville Joliet vs. Bellevue Joliet vs. Pasadena