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

Vancouver

Washington
123
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Vancouver is 40% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,632/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 24%
$78,156/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 13%
$440,300 ↑ 77%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 44%
$1,607/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↓ 8%
192,696
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Vancouver, WA and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 123 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $395/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $4,740/year.

Median household income is $9,870/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Vancouver is $440,300 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Vancouver vs Joliet — common questions

Is Vancouver or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 123 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Vancouver and Joliet?
Median rent in Vancouver is $1,632/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $395/month.
Which city has higher income, Vancouver or Joliet?
Median household income is $78,156 in Vancouver and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $9,870/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 Vancouver or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Vancouver has a cost index of 123 with median rent of $1,632/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 Vancouver details → View Joliet details →

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