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

Hayward

California
200
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Hayward is 127% more expensive than Joliet.

$2,360/mo ↑ 91%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 48%
$113,775/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↓ 23%
$820,700 ↑ 230%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 70%
$2,420/mo ↑ 64%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↓ 39%
159,201
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

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hayward, CA and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 200 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,123/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $13,476/year.

Median household income is $25,749/year higher in Hayward. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hayward is $820,700 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Hayward vs Joliet — common questions

Is Hayward or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hayward and Joliet?
Median rent in Hayward is $2,360/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $1,123/month.
Which city has higher income, Hayward or Joliet?
Median household income is $113,775 in Hayward and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $25,749/year higher in Hayward.
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 Hayward or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Hayward has a cost index of 200 with median rent of $2,360/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 Hayward details → View Joliet details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Hayward and Joliet

Hayward vs. Salinas Hayward vs. Corona Hayward vs. Palmdale Hayward vs. Paterson Hayward vs. Springfield Hayward vs. Murfreesboro Joliet vs. Jackson Joliet vs. Surprise Joliet vs. Escondido Joliet vs. Naperville Joliet vs. Bellevue Joliet vs. Pasadena