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

Austin

Texas
134
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Austin is 52% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,655/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 25%
$91,461/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↓ 4%
$512,700 ↑ 106%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 52%
$1,747/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↓ 16%
967,862
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Austin, TX and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $418/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $5,016/year.

Median household income is $3,435/year higher in Austin. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Austin is $512,700 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Austin vs Joliet — common questions

Is Austin or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Austin and Joliet?
Median rent in Austin is $1,655/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $418/month.
Which city has higher income, Austin or Joliet?
Median household income is $91,461 in Austin and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $3,435/year higher in Austin.
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 Austin or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Austin has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,655/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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