Cost of Living: Toledo, OH vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Toledo

Ohio
52
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Toledo is 41% cheaper than Joliet.

$880/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↑ 41%
$47,532/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 85%
$107,000 ↓ 57%
Home Value
$248,600 ↑ 132%
$856/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↑ 72%
268,461
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.53%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Toledo, OH and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 52 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $357/month cheaper in Toledo, saving renters about $4,284/year.

Median household income is $40,494/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Toledo is $107,000 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

Ohio has a lower income tax rate, making Toledo slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Toledo vs Joliet — common questions

Is Toledo or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Toledo is cheaper to live in with an index of 52 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Toledo and Joliet?
Median rent in Toledo is $880/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $357/month.
Which city has higher income, Toledo or Joliet?
Median household income is $47,532 in Toledo and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $40,494/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Illinois?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Toledo or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Toledo has a cost index of 52 with median rent of $880/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 Toledo details → View Joliet details →

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