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

Charlotte

North Carolina
108
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Charlotte is 23% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,504/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 18%
$78,438/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 12%
$351,500 ↑ 41%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 29%
$1,487/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↓ 1%
886,283
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

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charlotte, NC and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 108 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $267/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $3,204/year.

Median household income is $9,588/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charlotte is $351,500 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Charlotte vs Joliet — common questions

Is Charlotte or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 108 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charlotte and Joliet?
Median rent in Charlotte is $1,504/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $267/month.
Which city has higher income, Charlotte or Joliet?
Median household income is $78,438 in Charlotte and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $9,588/year higher in Joliet.
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 Charlotte or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Charlotte has a cost index of 108 with median rent of $1,504/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 Charlotte details → View Joliet details →

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