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

Augusta

Georgia
67
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Augusta is 24% cheaper than Joliet.

$1,087/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↑ 14%
$53,134/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 66%
$162,900 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$248,600 ↑ 53%
$1,053/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↑ 40%
201,504
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

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Augusta, GA and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $150/month cheaper in Augusta, saving renters about $1,800/year.

Median household income is $34,892/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Augusta is $162,900 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Augusta vs Joliet — common questions

Is Augusta or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Augusta is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Augusta and Joliet?
Median rent in Augusta is $1,087/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $150/month.
Which city has higher income, Augusta or Joliet?
Median household income is $53,134 in Augusta and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $34,892/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 Augusta or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Augusta has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,087/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 Augusta details → View Joliet details →

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