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

Durham

North Carolina
105
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Durham is 19% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,412/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 12%
$79,234/yr ↓ 10%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 11%
$355,300 ↑ 43%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 30%
$1,434/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↑ 3%
288,465
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

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Durham, NC and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 105 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $175/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $2,100/year.

Median household income is $8,792/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Durham is $355,300 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Durham vs Joliet — common questions

Is Durham or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Durham and Joliet?
Median rent in Durham is $1,412/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $175/month.
Which city has higher income, Durham or Joliet?
Median household income is $79,234 in Durham and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $8,792/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 Durham or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Durham has a cost index of 105 with median rent of $1,412/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 Durham details → View Joliet details →

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