Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Washington is 94% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,900/mo ↑ 54%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 35%
$106,287/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↓ 17%
$724,600 ↑ 191%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 66%
$2,103/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↓ 30%
672,079
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.56%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $663/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $7,956/year.

Median household income is $18,261/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Joliet — common questions

Is Washington or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Joliet?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $663/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Joliet?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $18,261/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and Illinois?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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.
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More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Washington and Joliet

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