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

Fremont

California
278
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Fremont is 216% more expensive than Joliet.

$2,905/mo ↑ 135%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 57%
$176,350/yr ↑ 100%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↓ 50%
$1,289,400 ↑ 419%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 81%
$3,000/mo ↑ 104%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↓ 51%
228,518
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

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fremont, CA and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 278 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,668/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $20,016/year.

Median household income is $88,324/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fremont is $1,289,400 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fremont vs Joliet — common questions

Is Fremont or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fremont and Joliet?
Median rent in Fremont is $2,905/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $1,668/month.
Which city has higher income, Fremont or Joliet?
Median household income is $176,350 in Fremont and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $88,324/year higher in Fremont.
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 Fremont or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Fremont has a cost index of 278 with median rent of $2,905/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 Fremont details → View Joliet details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fremont and Joliet

Fremont vs. Santa Clarita Fremont vs. Richmond Fremont vs. Spokane Fremont vs. Baton Rouge Fremont vs. Enterprise Fremont vs. Hialeah Joliet vs. Jackson Joliet vs. Surprise Joliet vs. Escondido Joliet vs. Naperville Joliet vs. Bellevue Joliet vs. Pasadena