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

Fontana

California
146
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Fontana is 66% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,733/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 29%
$98,187/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↓ 10%
$558,500 ↑ 125%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 55%
$1,990/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↓ 26%
211,921
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

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fontana, CA and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 146 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $496/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $5,952/year.

Median household income is $10,161/year higher in Fontana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fontana is $558,500 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fontana vs Joliet — common questions

Is Fontana or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 146 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fontana and Joliet?
Median rent in Fontana is $1,733/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $496/month.
Which city has higher income, Fontana or Joliet?
Median household income is $98,187 in Fontana and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $10,161/year higher in Fontana.
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 Fontana or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Fontana has a cost index of 146 with median rent of $1,733/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 Fontana details → View Joliet details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fontana and Joliet

Fontana vs. Des Moines Fontana vs. Moreno Valley Fontana vs. Modesto Fontana vs. Frisco Fontana vs. Huntsville Fontana vs. Rochester Joliet vs. Jackson Joliet vs. Surprise Joliet vs. Escondido Joliet vs. Naperville Joliet vs. Bellevue Joliet vs. Pasadena