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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Fresno is 15% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,324/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 7%
$66,804/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 32%
$348,500 ↑ 40%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 29%
$1,391/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↑ 6%
543,615
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

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $87/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $1,044/year.

Median household income is $21,222/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Joliet — common questions

Is Fresno or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Joliet?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $87/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Joliet?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $21,222/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 Fresno or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Joliet details →

More Comparisons

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