Cost of Living: Wichita, KS vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Wichita

Kansas
65
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Wichita is 26% cheaper than Joliet.

$960/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↑ 29%
$63,072/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 40%
$179,500 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$248,600 ↑ 38%
$994/mo ↓ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↑ 48%
396,488
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.41%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wichita, KS and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 65 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $277/month cheaper in Wichita, saving renters about $3,324/year.

Median household income is $24,954/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wichita is $179,500 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Wichita vs Joliet — common questions

Is Wichita or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wichita is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wichita and Joliet?
Median rent in Wichita is $960/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $277/month.
Which city has higher income, Wichita or Joliet?
Median household income is $63,072 in Wichita and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $24,954/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and Illinois?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Wichita or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Wichita has a cost index of 65 with median rent of $960/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 Wichita details → View Joliet details →

More Comparisons

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