Cost of Living: Elk Grove, CA vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Elk Grove

California
168
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Elk Grove is 91% more expensive than Joliet.

$2,180/mo ↑ 76%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 43%
$122,229/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↓ 28%
$603,400 ↑ 143%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 59%
$2,227/mo ↑ 51%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↓ 34%
177,221
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

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elk Grove, CA and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 168 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $943/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $11,316/year.

Median household income is $34,203/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elk Grove is $603,400 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elk Grove vs Joliet — common questions

Is Elk Grove or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elk Grove and Joliet?
Median rent in Elk Grove is $2,180/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $943/month.
Which city has higher income, Elk Grove or Joliet?
Median household income is $122,229 in Elk Grove and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $34,203/year higher in Elk Grove.
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 Elk Grove or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with median rent of $2,180/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 Elk Grove details → View Joliet details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elk Grove and Joliet

Elk Grove vs. Eugene Elk Grove vs. Santa Rosa Elk Grove vs. Ontario Elk Grove vs. Cary Elk Grove vs. Aurora Elk Grove vs. Salem Joliet vs. Jackson Joliet vs. Surprise Joliet vs. Escondido Joliet vs. Naperville Joliet vs. Bellevue Joliet vs. Pasadena