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

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Dallas is 10% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,403/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 12%
$67,760/yr ↓ 23%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 30%
$295,300 ↑ 19%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 16%
$1,409/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↑ 4%
1,299,553
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $166/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $1,992/year.

Median household income is $20,266/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Joliet — common questions

Is Dallas or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 97 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Joliet?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $166/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Joliet?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $20,266/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 Dallas or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/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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