Cost of Living: Amarillo, TX vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Amarillo

Texas
69
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Amarillo is 22% cheaper than Joliet.

$1,049/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↑ 18%
$62,469/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 41%
$186,800 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$248,600 ↑ 33%
$1,074/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↑ 37%
200,945
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

20.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Amarillo, TX and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $188/month cheaper in Amarillo, saving renters about $2,256/year.

Median household income is $25,557/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Amarillo is $186,800 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Amarillo residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Amarillo vs Joliet — common questions

Is Amarillo or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Amarillo is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Amarillo and Joliet?
Median rent in Amarillo is $1,049/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $188/month.
Which city has higher income, Amarillo or Joliet?
Median household income is $62,469 in Amarillo and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $25,557/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Illinois?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Amarillo or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Amarillo has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $1,049/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 Amarillo details → View Joliet details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Amarillo and Joliet

Amarillo vs. Oxnard Amarillo vs. Tallahassee Amarillo vs. Augusta Amarillo vs. Birmingham Amarillo vs. McKinney Amarillo vs. Sunrise Manor Joliet vs. Jackson Joliet vs. Surprise Joliet vs. Escondido Joliet vs. Naperville Joliet vs. Bellevue Joliet vs. Pasadena