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

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Arlington is 8% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,389/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 11%
$73,519/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 20%
$276,400 ↑ 11%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 10%
$1,420/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↑ 4%
394,769
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $152/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $1,824/year.

Median household income is $14,507/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Joliet — common questions

Is Arlington or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Joliet?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $152/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Joliet?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $14,507/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 Arlington or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/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 Arlington details → View Joliet details →

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