Cost of Living: Albuquerque, NM vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Albuquerque

New Mexico
80
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Albuquerque is 9% cheaper than Joliet.

$1,085/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↑ 14%
$65,604/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 34%
$266,700 ↑ 7%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 7%
$1,149/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↑ 28%
562,488
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

5.9%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.67%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Albuquerque, NM and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 80 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $152/month cheaper in Albuquerque, saving renters about $1,824/year.

Median household income is $22,422/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Albuquerque is $266,700 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Joliet slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Albuquerque vs Joliet — common questions

Is Albuquerque or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Albuquerque is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Albuquerque and Joliet?
Median rent in Albuquerque is $1,085/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $152/month.
Which city has higher income, Albuquerque or Joliet?
Median household income is $65,604 in Albuquerque and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $22,422/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between New Mexico and Illinois?
New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Albuquerque or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Albuquerque has a cost index of 80 with median rent of $1,085/mo, while Joliet has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,237/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Albuquerque details → View Joliet details →

More Comparisons

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