Joliet, IL vs Wheaton, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Joliet is 25% cheaper than Wheaton. With a cost index of 94 vs 125, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Joliet to Wheaton should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month compared to $1,731/month in Wheaton — a 29% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Joliet is more affordable at $248,600 median vs $447,700.

Median household income in Joliet is $88,026 compared to $119,566 in Wheaton (-26.4%). While Wheaton is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Joliet spend roughly 16.9% of their income on rent, less than the 17.4% in Wheaton.

Climate-wise, both cities share similar average temperatures (49.4°F vs 49.7°F). Joliet receives more rainfall at 33.8" per year compared to 33.2" in Wheaton.