Cost of Living: Birmingham, AL vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Birmingham

Alabama
62
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Birmingham is 30% cheaper than Joliet.

$1,047/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↑ 18%
$44,376/yr ↓ 50%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 98%
$138,600 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$248,600 ↑ 79%
$991/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↑ 49%
199,322
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.41%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Birmingham, AL and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 62 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $190/month cheaper in Birmingham, saving renters about $2,280/year.

Median household income is $43,650/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Birmingham is $138,600 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Birmingham vs Joliet — common questions

Is Birmingham or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Birmingham is cheaper to live in with an index of 62 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Birmingham and Joliet?
Median rent in Birmingham is $1,047/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $190/month.
Which city has higher income, Birmingham or Joliet?
Median household income is $44,376 in Birmingham and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $43,650/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Illinois?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Birmingham or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Birmingham has a cost index of 62 with median rent of $1,047/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 Birmingham details → View Joliet details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Birmingham and Joliet

Birmingham vs. Tallahassee Birmingham vs. Sunrise Manor Birmingham vs. Amarillo Birmingham vs. Grand Prairie Birmingham vs. Oxnard Birmingham vs. Montgomery Joliet vs. Jackson Joliet vs. Surprise Joliet vs. Escondido Joliet vs. Naperville Joliet vs. Bellevue Joliet vs. Pasadena