Is Cedar Rapids, IA cheaper than Joliet, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Cedar Rapids, IA is 8.1% cheaper than Joliet, IL. This translates to saving $610 per month.

What salary do I need in Cedar Rapids, IA to live like I do in Joliet, IL?

If you earn $150,000 in Joliet, IL, you'd need approximately $142,678.716 in Cedar Rapids, IA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Joliet, IL and Cedar Rapids, IA?

Housing in Cedar Rapids, IA is 16.9% cheaper than in Joliet, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,104/month in Cedar Rapids, IA compared to $1,253/month in Joliet, IL.

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

Moving from Joliet, IL to Cedar Rapids, IA could save you approximately $610 per month, or $7321 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Joliet, IL vs Cedar Rapids, IA: 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 Joliet, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $610/month moving to Cedar Rapids, IA

$150.0K in your current city equals $142.7K in Cedar Rapids, IA

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

Overall Cost

↓ 8.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$610

Savings

Annual Impact

$7.3K

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

Cedar Rapids, IA

Population:136K

Cost Index:

(8% below avg)

Median Home:$197K

Joliet, IL

The Prairie State

150K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Cedar Rapids, IA

The Hawkeye State

136K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Iowa, this city has a population of 136K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Joliet, IL vs Cedar Rapids, IA

Category	Joliet, IL	Cedar Rapids, IA	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,558/mo	$2,126/mo	↓ $432less	16.9%
Transportation	$1,557/mo	$1,271/mo	↓ $286less	18.4%
Healthcare	$573/mo	$689/mo	↑ $117more	20.4%
Groceries	$991/mo	$920/mo	↓ $71.29less	7.2%
All Utilities	$500/mo	$475/mo	↓ $24.53less	4.9%
Other	$1,629/mo	$1,643/mo	↑ $14.38more	0.9%

Housing

↓ 16.9%

Joliet, IL

$2,558

Cedar Rapids, IA

$2,126

Difference

$432

less

Transportation

↓ 18.4%

Joliet, IL

$1,557

Cedar Rapids, IA

$1,271

Difference

$286

less

Healthcare

↑ 20.4%

Joliet, IL

$573

Cedar Rapids, IA

$689

Difference

$117

Groceries

↓ 7.2%

Joliet, IL

$991

Cedar Rapids, IA

$920

Difference

$71.29

less

All Utilities

↓ 4.9%

Joliet, IL

$500

Cedar Rapids, IA

$475

Difference

$24.53

less

Other

↑ 0.9%

Joliet, IL

$1,629

Cedar Rapids, IA

$1,643

Difference

$14.38

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,040

To$757

↓ $283

1 Bed

From$1,111

To$844

↓ $267

2 Bed

From$1,253

To$1,104

↓ $149

3 Bed

From$1,615

To$1,534

↓ $81.00

Joliet, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,380–$1,610/mo

Cedar Rapids, IAZIP-level data

1BR range: $740–$930/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

$7,125

Monthly in Cedar Rapids, IA

$683

Difference

Home Values

Joliet

Cedar Rapids

$205K

Median Value

$197K

↓ -0.9%

YoY Change

↑ +3.9%

↑ +36.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +29.6%

$198K - $339K

Price Range

$117K - $432K

Homes in Cedar Rapids are 4% less expensive than Joliet

Calculate payment - Joliet Calculate payment - Cedar Rapids

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $3.3K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$273

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.2%

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

Cedar Rapids, IA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Iowa State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.7K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.7K

Take-Home Pay

$8,524/month

$102.3K

Additional Tax Information

Joliet, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

Cedar Rapids, IA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.4%

Property Tax:1.5%

💡 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.