Cost of Living: Glendale, AZ vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Glendale

Arizona
102
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Glendale is 16% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,397/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 11%
$70,139/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 26%
$347,000 ↑ 40%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 28%
$1,356/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↑ 9%
250,193
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, AZ and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $160/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $1,920/year.

Median household income is $17,887/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $347,000 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Glendale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Joliet — common questions

Is Glendale or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Joliet?
Median rent in Glendale is $1,397/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $160/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Joliet?
Median household income is $70,139 in Glendale and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $17,887/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Illinois?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Glendale or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,397/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 Glendale details → View Joliet details →

More Comparisons

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