Cost of Living: Honolulu, HI vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Honolulu

Hawaii
175
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Honolulu is 99% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,783/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 31%
$85,428/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 3%
$834,100 ↑ 236%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 70%
$1,809/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↓ 19%
346,323
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

11.0%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.32%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Honolulu, HI and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 175 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $546/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $6,552/year.

Median household income is $2,598/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Honolulu is $834,100 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Honolulu vs Joliet — common questions

Is Honolulu or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Honolulu and Joliet?
Median rent in Honolulu is $1,783/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $546/month.
Which city has higher income, Honolulu or Joliet?
Median household income is $85,428 in Honolulu and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $2,598/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Hawaii and Illinois?
Hawaii has 11.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.32% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Honolulu or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Honolulu has a cost index of 175 with median rent of $1,783/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 Honolulu details → View Joliet details →

More Comparisons

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