Cost of Living: Alexandria, VA vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Alexandria is 97% more expensive than Joliet.

$2,031/mo ↑ 64%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 39%
$113,638/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↓ 23%
$696,800 ↑ 180%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 64%
$2,173/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↓ 32%
156,788
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $794/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $9,528/year.

Median household income is $25,612/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Joliet — common questions

Is Alexandria or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Joliet?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $794/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Joliet?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $25,612/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Illinois?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Alexandria or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/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 Alexandria details → View Joliet details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Alexandria and Joliet

Alexandria vs. Murfreesboro Alexandria vs. Macon Alexandria vs. Paterson Alexandria vs. Lakewood Alexandria vs. Corona Alexandria vs. Killeen Joliet vs. Jackson Joliet vs. Surprise Joliet vs. Escondido Joliet vs. Naperville Joliet vs. Bellevue Joliet vs. Pasadena