Cost of Living: Anchorage, AK vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Anchorage

Alaska
113
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Anchorage is 28% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,453/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 15%
$98,152/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↓ 10%
$375,900 ↑ 51%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 34%
$1,698/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↓ 13%
289,069
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.04%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

17.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anchorage, AK and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $216/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $2,592/year.

Median household income is $10,126/year higher in Anchorage. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anchorage is $375,900 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Anchorage vs Joliet — common questions

Is Anchorage or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anchorage and Joliet?
Median rent in Anchorage is $1,453/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $216/month.
Which city has higher income, Anchorage or Joliet?
Median household income is $98,152 in Anchorage and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $10,126/year higher in Anchorage.
How do taxes compare between Alaska and Illinois?
Alaska has 0% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 1.04% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Anchorage or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Anchorage has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,453/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 Anchorage details → View Joliet details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Anchorage and Joliet

Anchorage vs. Jersey City Anchorage vs. Durham Anchorage vs. Lincoln Anchorage vs. Plano Anchorage vs. St. Louis Anchorage vs. Chandler Joliet vs. Jackson Joliet vs. Surprise Joliet vs. Escondido Joliet vs. Naperville Joliet vs. Bellevue Joliet vs. Pasadena