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

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Arlington is 131% more expensive than Joliet.

$2,275/mo ↑ 84%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 46%
$140,160/yr ↑ 59%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↓ 37%
$864,800 ↑ 248%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 71%
$2,414/mo ↑ 64%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↓ 39%
235,463
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

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,038/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $12,456/year.

Median household income is $52,134/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

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 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Joliet?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $1,038/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Joliet?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $52,134/year higher in Arlington.
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 Arlington or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/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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