Cost of Living: Jacksonville, FL vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Jacksonville

Florida
92
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Jacksonville is 5% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,375/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 10%
$66,981/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 31%
$266,100 ↑ 7%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 7%
$1,324/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↑ 11%
961,739
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jacksonville, FL and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 92 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $138/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $1,656/year.

Median household income is $21,045/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jacksonville is $266,100 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jacksonville vs Joliet — common questions

Is Jacksonville or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 92 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jacksonville and Joliet?
Median rent in Jacksonville is $1,375/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $138/month.
Which city has higher income, Jacksonville or Joliet?
Median household income is $66,981 in Jacksonville and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $21,045/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Illinois?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Jacksonville or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Jacksonville has a cost index of 92 with median rent of $1,375/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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