Is Joliet, IL cheaper than Aurora, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Joliet, IL is 0.5% cheaper than Aurora, IL. The two cities have very similar living costs.

What salary do I need in Joliet, IL to live like I do in Aurora, IL?

If you earn $150,000 in Aurora, IL, you'd need approximately $149,531.128 in Joliet, IL to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Aurora, IL and Joliet, IL?

Housing in Joliet, IL is 0.5% cheaper than in Aurora, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,253/month in Joliet, IL compared to $1,338/month in Aurora, IL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Aurora, IL to Joliet, IL?

Moving from Aurora, IL to Joliet, IL could save you approximately $39 per month, or $469 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Aurora, IL vs Joliet, IL: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Aurora, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $39.07/month moving to Joliet, IL

$150.0K in your current city equals $149.5K in Joliet, IL

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI area

Overall Cost

↓ 0.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$39.07

Savings

Annual Impact

$469

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Aurora, IL

Population:178K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$298K

Joliet, IL

Population:150K

Cost Index:

(1% below avg)

Median Home:$205K

Aurora, IL

The Prairie State

178K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 178K residents.

Joliet, IL

The Prairie State

150K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 150K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Aurora, IL vs Joliet, IL

Category	Aurora, IL	Joliet, IL	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,571/mo	$2,558/mo	↓ $13.40less	0.5%
Other	$1,638/mo	$1,629/mo	↓ $8.53less	0.5%
Transportation	$1,565/mo	$1,557/mo	↓ $8.16less	0.5%
Groceries	$993/mo	$991/mo	↓ $2.59less	0.3%
Healthcare	$574/mo	$573/mo	↓ $1.50less	0.3%
All Utilities	$501/mo	$500/mo	↓ $1.31less	0.3%

Housing

↓ 0.5%

Aurora, IL

$2,571

Joliet, IL

$2,558

Difference

$13.40

less

Other

↓ 0.5%

Aurora, IL

$1,638

Joliet, IL

$1,629

Difference

$8.53

less

Transportation

↓ 0.5%

Aurora, IL

$1,565

Joliet, IL

$1,557

Difference

$8.16

less

Groceries

↓ 0.3%

Aurora, IL

$993

Joliet, IL

$991

Difference

$2.59

less

Healthcare

↓ 0.3%

Aurora, IL

$574

Joliet, IL

$573

Difference

$1.50

less

All Utilities

↓ 0.3%

Aurora, IL

$501

Joliet, IL

$500

Difference

$1.31

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,109

To$1,040

↓ $69.00

1 Bed

From$1,188

To$1,111

↓ $77.00

2 Bed

From$1,338

To$1,253

↓ $85.00

3 Bed

From$1,726

To$1,615

↓ $111

Aurora, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,430–$2,140/mo

Joliet, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,380–$1,610/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,843

Monthly in Aurora, IL

$7,807

Monthly in Joliet, IL

$35.48

Difference

Home Values

Aurora

Joliet

$298K

Median Value

$205K

↑ +3.5%

YoY Change

↓ -0.9%

↑ +43.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +36.7%

$236K - $339K

Price Range

$198K - $339K

Homes in Joliet are 31% less expensive than Aurora

Calculate payment - Aurora Calculate payment - Joliet

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Aurora, IL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Illinois State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,797/month

$105.6K

Joliet, IL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Illinois State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,797/month

$105.6K

Additional Tax Information

Aurora, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

Joliet, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.