Cost of Living: Chula Vista, CA vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Chula Vista

California
178
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Chula Vista is 102% more expensive than Joliet.

$2,122/mo ↑ 72%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 42%
$105,173/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↓ 16%
$697,400 ↑ 181%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 64%
$2,342/mo ↑ 59%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↓ 37%
275,030
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

24.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chula Vista, CA and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 178 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $885/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $10,620/year.

Median household income is $17,147/year higher in Chula Vista. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chula Vista is $697,400 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chula Vista vs Joliet — common questions

Is Chula Vista or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 178 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chula Vista and Joliet?
Median rent in Chula Vista is $2,122/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $885/month.
Which city has higher income, Chula Vista or Joliet?
Median household income is $105,173 in Chula Vista and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $17,147/year higher in Chula Vista.
How do taxes compare between California and Illinois?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Chula Vista or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Chula Vista has a cost index of 178 with median rent of $2,122/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 Chula Vista details → View Joliet details →

More Comparisons

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