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

Garden Grove

California
176
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Garden Grove is 100% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,971/mo ↑ 59%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 37%
$90,166/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↓ 2%
$765,500 ↑ 208%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 68%
$2,016/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↓ 27%
170,603
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

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garden Grove, CA and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $734/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $8,808/year.

Median household income is $2,140/year higher in Garden Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garden Grove is $765,500 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Garden Grove vs Joliet — common questions

Is Garden 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 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garden Grove and Joliet?
Median rent in Garden Grove is $1,971/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $734/month.
Which city has higher income, Garden Grove or Joliet?
Median household income is $90,166 in Garden Grove and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $2,140/year higher in Garden 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 Garden Grove or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $1,971/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 Garden Grove details → View Joliet details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Garden Grove and Joliet

Garden Grove vs. Clarksville Garden Grove vs. Pembroke Pines Garden Grove vs. Oceanside Garden Grove vs. Lancaster Garden Grove vs. Rancho Cucamonga Garden Grove vs. Fort Collins Joliet vs. Jackson Joliet vs. Surprise Joliet vs. Escondido Joliet vs. Naperville Joliet vs. Bellevue Joliet vs. Pasadena