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

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Abilene

Texas
71

Joliet is 24% more expensive than Abilene.

$1,237/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,106/mo ↓ 11%
$88,026/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$62,720/yr ↓ 29%
$248,600 ↑ 39%
Home Value
$178,900 ↓ 28%
$1,472/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 24%
149,785
Population
127,130

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

16.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Abilene, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $131/month cheaper in Abilene, saving renters about $1,572/year.

Median household income is $25,306/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $178,900 in Abilene.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Abilene — common questions

Is Joliet or Abilene cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Abilene is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Abilene?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Abilene it's $1,106/month — a difference of $131/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Abilene?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $62,720 in Abilene. Median household income is $25,306/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Texas?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Joliet or Abilene?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Abilene has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,106/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Abilene details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Joliet and Abilene

Joliet vs. Jackson Joliet vs. Surprise Joliet vs. Escondido Joliet vs. Naperville Joliet vs. Bellevue Joliet vs. Pasadena Abilene vs. Columbia Abilene vs. Athens Abilene vs. Lehigh Acres Abilene vs. Topeka Abilene vs. Lewisville Abilene vs. Pearland