Joliet, IL vs Oak Park, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Joliet is 20.2% cheaper than Oak Park. With a cost index of 94 vs 117, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Joliet to Oak Park should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month compared to $1,456/month in Oak Park — a 15% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Joliet is more affordable at $248,600 median vs $456,300.

Median household income in Joliet is $88,026 compared to $108,026 in Oak Park (-18.5%). The higher salaries in Oak Park partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Joliet spend roughly 16.9% of their income on rent, more than the 16.2% in Oak Park.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (49.4°F vs 52.1°F). Oak Park receives more rainfall at 34.4" per year compared to 33.8" in Joliet.