Is Aurora, IL cheaper than Joliet, IL?

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

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

If you earn $150,000 in Joliet, IL, you'd need approximately $150,471.327 in Aurora, IL to maintain the same standard of living.

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

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

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

Joliet, IL and Aurora, IL have very similar costs of living, based on a $150,000 salary.

Joliet, IL vs Aurora, 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 Joliet, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $39.28/month more in Aurora, IL

$150.0K in your current city equals $150.5K in Aurora, IL

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

Overall Cost

↑ 0.5%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$39.28

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$471

Per year

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

Joliet, IL

Population:150K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$205K

Aurora, IL

Population:178K

Cost Index:

101

(1% above avg)

Median Home:$298K

Joliet, IL

The Prairie State

150K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Aurora, IL

The Prairie State

178K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Joliet, IL vs Aurora, IL

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

Housing

↑ 0.5%

Joliet, IL

$2,558

Aurora, IL

$2,571

Difference

$13.40

Other

↑ 0.5%

Joliet, IL

$1,629

Aurora, IL

$1,638

Difference

$8.53

Transportation

↑ 0.5%

Joliet, IL

$1,557

Aurora, IL

$1,565

Difference

$8.16

Groceries

↑ 0.3%

Joliet, IL

$991

Aurora, IL

$993

Difference

$2.59

Healthcare

↑ 0.3%

Joliet, IL

$573

Aurora, IL

$574

Difference

$1.50

All Utilities

↑ 0.3%

Joliet, IL

$500

Aurora, IL

$501

Difference

$1.31

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,040

To$1,109

↑ $69.00

1 Bed

From$1,111

To$1,188

↑ $77.00

2 Bed

From$1,253

To$1,338

↑ $85.00

3 Bed

From$1,615

To$1,726

↑ $111

Joliet, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,380–$1,610/mo

Aurora, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,430–$2,140/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.

$7,807

Monthly in Joliet, IL

$7,843

Monthly in Aurora, IL

$35.48

Difference

Home Values

Joliet

Aurora

$205K

Median Value

$298K

↓ -0.9%

YoY Change

↑ +3.5%

↑ +36.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +43.2%

$198K - $339K

Price Range

$236K - $339K

Homes in Aurora are 45% more expensive than Joliet

Calculate payment - Joliet Calculate payment - Aurora

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

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

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

Additional Tax Information

Joliet, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

Aurora, 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.