Cost of Living: Garland, TX vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Garland

Texas
96
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Garland is 9% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,525/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 19%
$74,717/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 18%
$248,900 ≈ Same
Home Value
$248,600 ≈ Same
$1,445/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↑ 2%
245,298
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Garland, TX and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 96 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $288/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $3,456/year.

Median household income is $13,309/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Garland is $248,900 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Garland residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland vs Joliet — common questions

Is Garland or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 96 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Garland and Joliet?
Median rent in Garland is $1,525/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $288/month.
Which city has higher income, Garland or Joliet?
Median household income is $74,717 in Garland and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $13,309/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Illinois?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Garland or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Garland has a cost index of 96 with median rent of $1,525/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 Garland details → View Joliet details →

More Comparisons

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