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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Houston and Joliet have a similar cost of living.

$1,313/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 6%
$62,894/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 40%
$253,400 ↑ 2%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 2%
$1,316/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↑ 12%
2,300,419
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $76/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $912/year.

Median household income is $25,132/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Joliet — common questions

Is Houston or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Joliet?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $76/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Joliet?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $25,132/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 Houston or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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.
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More Comparisons

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