Cost of Living: Bakersfield, CA vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Bakersfield

California
104
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Bakersfield is 18% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,371/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 10%
$77,397/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 14%
$347,300 ↑ 40%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 28%
$1,540/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↓ 4%
408,366
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bakersfield, CA and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $134/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $1,608/year.

Median household income is $10,629/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bakersfield is $347,300 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Bakersfield vs Joliet — common questions

Is Bakersfield or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bakersfield and Joliet?
Median rent in Bakersfield is $1,371/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $134/month.
Which city has higher income, Bakersfield or Joliet?
Median household income is $77,397 in Bakersfield and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $10,629/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between California and Illinois?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Bakersfield or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Bakersfield has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,371/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 Bakersfield details → View Joliet details →

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