Cost of Living: Huntsville, AL vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Huntsville

Alabama
78
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Huntsville is 11% cheaper than Joliet.

$1,078/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↑ 15%
$70,778/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 24%
$263,100 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 6%
$1,046/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↑ 41%
218,814
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.41%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

18.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntsville, AL and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 78 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $159/month cheaper in Huntsville, saving renters about $1,908/year.

Median household income is $17,248/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntsville is $263,100 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntsville vs Joliet — common questions

Is Huntsville or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Huntsville is cheaper to live in with an index of 78 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntsville and Joliet?
Median rent in Huntsville is $1,078/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $159/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntsville or Joliet?
Median household income is $70,778 in Huntsville and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $17,248/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Illinois?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Huntsville or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Huntsville has a cost index of 78 with median rent of $1,078/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 Huntsville details → View Joliet details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Huntsville and Joliet

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