Cost of Living: Cary, NC vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Cary is 53% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,621/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 24%
$129,399/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↓ 32%
$525,200 ↑ 111%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 53%
$1,744/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↓ 16%
176,686
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

15.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $384/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $4,608/year.

Median household income is $41,373/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Cary slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Joliet — common questions

Is Cary or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Joliet?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $384/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Joliet?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $41,373/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Illinois?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Cary or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/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 Cary details → View Joliet details →

More Comparisons

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