Is Joliet, IL cheaper than Grand Rapids, MI?

Based on cost of living data, Joliet, IL is 7.3% more expensive than Grand Rapids, MI. This translates to spending an extra $548 per month.

What salary do I need in Joliet, IL to live like I do in Grand Rapids, MI?

If you earn $150,000 in Grand Rapids, MI, you'd need approximately $156,571.467 in Joliet, IL to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Grand Rapids, MI and Joliet, IL?

Housing in Joliet, IL is 29.6% more expensive than in Grand Rapids, MI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,253/month in Joliet, IL compared to $1,652/month in Grand Rapids, MI.

How much can I save per month by moving from Grand Rapids, MI to Joliet, IL?

Living in Joliet, IL costs approximately $548 more per month than Grand Rapids, MI, or $6571 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Grand Rapids, MI vs Joliet, IL: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Grand Rapids, MI

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $548/month more in Joliet, IL

$150.0K in your current city equals $156.6K in Joliet, IL

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI area

Overall Cost

↑ 7.3%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$548

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$6.6K

Per year

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

Grand Rapids, MI

Population:197K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$288K

Joliet, IL

Population:150K

Cost Index:

107

(7% above avg)

Median Home:$205K

Grand Rapids, MI

The Great Lakes State

197K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Michigan, this city has a population of 197K 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: Grand Rapids, MI vs Joliet, IL

Category	Grand Rapids, MI	Joliet, IL	Difference	Change
Housing	$1,973/mo	$2,558/mo	↑ $585more	29.6%
Healthcare	$728/mo	$573/mo	↓ $155less	21.3%
Transportation	$1,444/mo	$1,557/mo	↑ $114more	7.9%
Other	$1,649/mo	$1,629/mo	↓ $19.85less	1.2%
Groceries	$972/mo	$991/mo	↑ $19.15more	2.0%
All Utilities	$515/mo	$500/mo	↓ $15.01less	2.9%

Housing

↑ 29.6%

Grand Rapids, MI

$1,973

Joliet, IL

$2,558

Difference

$585

Healthcare

↓ 21.3%

Grand Rapids, MI

$728

Joliet, IL

$573

Difference

$155

less

Transportation

↑ 7.9%

Grand Rapids, MI

$1,444

Joliet, IL

$1,557

Difference

$114

Other

↓ 1.2%

Grand Rapids, MI

$1,649

Joliet, IL

$1,629

Difference

$19.85

less

Groceries

↑ 2.0%

Grand Rapids, MI

$972

Joliet, IL

$991

Difference

$19.15

All Utilities

↓ 2.9%

Grand Rapids, MI

$515

Joliet, IL

$500

Difference

$15.01

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Grand Rapids, MI: Grand Rapids City Income Tax$2,250/yr (1.5%)

Joliet, IL has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,334

To$1,040

↓ $294

1 Bed

From$1,375

To$1,111

↓ $264

2 Bed

From$1,652

To$1,253

↓ $399

3 Bed

From$2,134

To$1,615

↓ $519

Grand Rapids, MIZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,280–$1,420/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.

$7,280

Monthly in Grand Rapids, MI

$7,807

Monthly in Joliet, IL

$527

Difference

Home Values

Grand Rapids

Joliet

$288K

Median Value

$205K

↑ +2.2%

YoY Change

↓ -0.9%

↑ +40.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +36.7%

$229K - $481K

Price Range

$198K - $339K

Homes in Joliet are 29% less expensive than Grand Rapids

Calculate payment - Grand Rapids Calculate payment - Joliet

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $1.1K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$87.50

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.7%

Rate difference

Grand Rapids, MI

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Michigan State Tax

Effective: 4.3%

$6.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.9%

$43.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,884/month

$106.6K

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

Grand Rapids, MI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:1.4%

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.