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

Brownsville

Texas
54
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Brownsville is 39% cheaper than Joliet.

$906/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↑ 37%
$48,675/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 81%
$122,400 ↓ 51%
Home Value
$248,600 ↑ 103%
$830/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↑ 77%
188,023
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Brownsville, TX and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 54 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $331/month cheaper in Brownsville, saving renters about $3,972/year.

Median household income is $39,351/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Brownsville is $122,400 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Brownsville vs Joliet — common questions

Is Brownsville or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brownsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 54 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Brownsville and Joliet?
Median rent in Brownsville is $906/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $331/month.
Which city has higher income, Brownsville or Joliet?
Median household income is $48,675 in Brownsville and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $39,351/year higher in Joliet.
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 Brownsville or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Brownsville has a cost index of 54 with median rent of $906/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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