Is Joliet, IL cheaper than Rockford, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Joliet, IL is 2.2% cheaper than Rockford, IL. This translates to saving $167 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Rockford, IL, you'd need approximately $148,001.131 in Joliet, IL to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Joliet, IL is 5.7% more expensive than in Rockford, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,253/month in Joliet, IL compared to $921/month in Rockford, IL.

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

Moving from Rockford, IL to Joliet, IL could save you approximately $167 per month, or $1999 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Rockford, 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 Rockford, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $167/month moving to Joliet, IL

$150.0K in your current city equals $148.0K in Joliet, IL

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 2.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$167

Savings

Annual Impact

$2.0K

Per year

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

Rockford, IL

Population:146K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$158K

Joliet, IL

Population:150K

Cost Index:

(2% below avg)

Median Home:$205K

Rockford, IL

The Prairie State

146K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 146K 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: Rockford, IL vs Joliet, IL

Category	Rockford, IL	Joliet, IL	Difference	Change
Transportation	$1,373/mo	$1,557/mo	↑ $184more	13.4%
Housing	$2,419/mo	$2,558/mo	↑ $139more	5.7%
Healthcare	$710/mo	$573/mo	↓ $137less	19.3%
Other	$1,748/mo	$1,629/mo	↓ $119less	6.8%
Groceries	$948/mo	$991/mo	↑ $43.22more	4.6%
All Utilities	$502/mo	$500/mo	↓ $2.25less	0.4%

Transportation

↑ 13.4%

Rockford, IL

$1,373

Joliet, IL

$1,557

Difference

$184

Housing

↑ 5.7%

Rockford, IL

$2,419

Joliet, IL

$2,558

Difference

$139

Healthcare

↓ 19.3%

Rockford, IL

$710

Joliet, IL

$573

Difference

$137

less

Other

↓ 6.8%

Rockford, IL

$1,748

Joliet, IL

$1,629

Difference

$119

less

Groceries

↑ 4.6%

Rockford, IL

$948

Joliet, IL

$991

Difference

$43.22

All Utilities

↓ 0.4%

Rockford, IL

$502

Joliet, IL

$500

Difference

$2.25

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$639

To$1,040

↑ $401

1 Bed

From$705

To$1,111

↑ $406

2 Bed

From$921

To$1,253

↑ $332

3 Bed

From$1,219

To$1,615

↑ $396

Rockford, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $810–$1,130/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.

$7,700

Monthly in Rockford, IL

$7,807

Monthly in Joliet, IL

$108

Difference

Home Values

Rockford

Joliet

$158K

Median Value

$205K

↑ +8.6%

YoY Change

↓ -0.9%

↑ +69.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +36.7%

$102K - $256K

Price Range

$198K - $339K

Homes in Joliet are 30% more expensive than Rockford

Calculate payment - Rockford 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

Rockford, 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

Rockford, 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.