Is Kansas City, KS cheaper than Joliet, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Kansas City, KS is 12.5% cheaper than Joliet, IL. This translates to saving $938 per month.

What salary do I need in Kansas City, KS to live like I do in Joliet, IL?

If you earn $150,000 in Joliet, IL, you'd need approximately $138,739.122 in Kansas City, KS to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Joliet, IL and Kansas City, KS?

Housing in Kansas City, KS is 27.9% cheaper than in Joliet, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,010/month in Kansas City, KS compared to $1,253/month in Joliet, IL.

How much can I save per month by moving from Joliet, IL to Kansas City, KS?

Moving from Joliet, IL to Kansas City, KS could save you approximately $938 per month, or $11261 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Joliet, IL vs Kansas City, KS: 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 save $938/month moving to Kansas City, KS

$150.0K in your current city equals $138.7K in Kansas City, KS

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

Overall Cost

↓ 12.5%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$938

Savings

Annual Impact

$11.3K

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

Kansas City, KS

Population:153K

Cost Index:

(13% below avg)

Median Home:$161K

Joliet, IL

The Prairie State

150K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Kansas City, KS

The Sunflower State

153K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Kansas, this city has a population of 153K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Joliet, IL vs Kansas City, KS

Category	Joliet, IL	Kansas City, KS	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,558/mo	$1,845/mo	↓ $713less	27.9%
Transportation	$1,557/mo	$1,184/mo	↓ $373less	24.0%
Other	$1,629/mo	$1,565/mo	↓ $63.93less	3.9%
Groceries	$991/mo	$937/mo	↓ $54.02less	5.5%
All Utilities	$500/mo	$528/mo	↑ $28.72more	5.7%
Healthcare	$573/mo	$599/mo	↑ $26.60more	4.6%

Housing

↓ 27.9%

Joliet, IL

$2,558

Kansas City, KS

$1,845

Difference

$713

less

Transportation

↓ 24.0%

Joliet, IL

$1,557

Kansas City, KS

$1,184

Difference

$373

less

Other

↓ 3.9%

Joliet, IL

$1,629

Kansas City, KS

$1,565

Difference

$63.93

less

Groceries

↓ 5.5%

Joliet, IL

$991

Kansas City, KS

$937

Difference

$54.02

less

All Utilities

↑ 5.7%

Joliet, IL

$500

Kansas City, KS

$528

Difference

$28.72

Healthcare

↑ 4.6%

Joliet, IL

$573

Kansas City, KS

$599

Difference

$26.60

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Kansas City, KS: Kansas City KS Earnings Tax$1,500/yr (1.0%)

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$1,040

To$811

↓ $229

1 Bed

From$1,111

To$894

↓ $217

2 Bed

From$1,253

To$1,010

↓ $243

3 Bed

From$1,615

To$1,316

↓ $299

Joliet, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,380–$1,610/mo

Kansas City, KSZIP-level data

1BR range: $900–$1,650/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

$6,659

Monthly in Kansas City, KS

$1,149

Difference

Home Values

Joliet

Kansas City

$205K

Median Value

$161K

↓ -0.9%

YoY Change

↑ +1.6%

↑ +36.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +55.9%

$198K - $339K

Price Range

$115K - $322K

Homes in Kansas City are 22% less expensive than Joliet

Calculate payment - Joliet Calculate payment - Kansas City

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $993

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$82.75

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.7%

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

Kansas City, KS

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Kansas State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,714/month

$104.6K

Additional Tax Information

Joliet, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

Kansas City, KS Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.7%

Property Tax:1.3%

💡 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.