Cost of Living: Charleston, SC vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Charleston

South Carolina
128
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Charleston is 45% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,632/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 24%
$90,038/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↓ 2%
$469,100 ↑ 89%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 47%
$1,688/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↓ 13%
152,014
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

6.4%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.57%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charleston, SC and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 128 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $395/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $4,740/year.

Median household income is $2,012/year higher in Charleston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charleston is $469,100 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston vs Joliet — common questions

Is Charleston or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charleston and Joliet?
Median rent in Charleston is $1,632/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $395/month.
Which city has higher income, Charleston or Joliet?
Median household income is $90,038 in Charleston and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $2,012/year higher in Charleston.
How do taxes compare between South Carolina and Illinois?
South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Charleston or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Charleston has a cost index of 128 with median rent of $1,632/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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