Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Atlanta is 39% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,617/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 24%
$81,938/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 7%
$420,600 ↑ 69%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 41%
$1,695/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↓ 13%
499,287
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $380/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $4,560/year.

Median household income is $6,088/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Joliet — common questions

Is Atlanta or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Joliet?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $380/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Joliet?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $6,088/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and Illinois?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/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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