Cost of Living: Yonkers, NY vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Yonkers

New York
133
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Yonkers is 51% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,730/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 28%
$81,816/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 8%
$478,000 ↑ 92%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 48%
$1,759/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↓ 16%
209,529
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

10.9%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.62%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

25.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Yonkers, NY and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 133 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $493/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $5,916/year.

Median household income is $6,210/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Yonkers is $478,000 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Yonkers vs Joliet — common questions

Is Yonkers or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 133 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Yonkers and Joliet?
Median rent in Yonkers is $1,730/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $493/month.
Which city has higher income, Yonkers or Joliet?
Median household income is $81,816 in Yonkers and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $6,210/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between New York and Illinois?
New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Yonkers or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Yonkers has a cost index of 133 with median rent of $1,730/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 Yonkers details → View Joliet details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Yonkers and Joliet

Yonkers vs. Fayetteville Yonkers vs. Cape Coral Yonkers vs. Rochester Yonkers vs. Worcester Yonkers vs. Frisco Yonkers vs. Columbus Joliet vs. Jackson Joliet vs. Surprise Joliet vs. Escondido Joliet vs. Naperville Joliet vs. Bellevue Joliet vs. Pasadena