Cost of Living: Anaheim, CA vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Anaheim

California
182
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Anaheim is 94% more expensive than Joliet.

$2,082/mo ↑ 68%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 41%
$90,583/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↓ 3%
$771,700 ↑ 210%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 68%
$2,165/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↓ 32%
344,553
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.25%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

27.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anaheim, CA and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 182 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $845/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $10,140/year.

Median household income is $2,557/year higher in Anaheim. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anaheim is $771,700 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Anaheim vs Joliet — common questions

Is Anaheim or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anaheim and Joliet?
Median rent in Anaheim is $2,082/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $845/month.
Which city has higher income, Anaheim or Joliet?
Median household income is $90,583 in Anaheim and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $2,557/year higher in Anaheim.
How do taxes compare between California and Illinois?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Anaheim or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Anaheim has a cost index of 182 with median rent of $2,082/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.
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