Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Worcester is 18% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,415/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 13%
$67,544/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 30%
$339,500 ↑ 37%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 27%
$1,521/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↓ 3%
205,501
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.15%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $178/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $2,136/year.

Median household income is $20,482/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Joliet — common questions

Is Worcester or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Joliet?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $178/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Joliet?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $20,482/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and Illinois?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/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 Worcester details → View Joliet details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Worcester and Joliet

Worcester vs. Cape Coral Worcester vs. Columbus Worcester vs. Yonkers Worcester vs. Salt Lake City Worcester vs. Fayetteville Worcester vs. Little Rock Joliet vs. Jackson Joliet vs. Surprise Joliet vs. Escondido Joliet vs. Naperville Joliet vs. Bellevue Joliet vs. Pasadena