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

Escondido

California
163
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Escondido is 75% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,922/mo ↑ 55%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 36%
$84,477/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 4%
$663,500 ↑ 167%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 63%
$2,022/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↓ 27%
149,913
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

27.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Escondido, CA and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $685/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $8,220/year.

Median household income is $3,549/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Escondido is $663,500 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Escondido vs Joliet — common questions

Is Escondido or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 163 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Escondido and Joliet?
Median rent in Escondido is $1,922/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $685/month.
Which city has higher income, Escondido or Joliet?
Median household income is $84,477 in Escondido and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $3,549/year higher in Joliet.
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 Escondido or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Escondido has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,922/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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