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

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Allen

Texas
137

Joliet is 36% cheaper than Allen.

$1,237/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$1,877/mo ↑ 52%
$88,026/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$129,130/yr ↑ 47%
$248,600 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$429,900 ↑ 73%
$1,472/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$2,083/mo ↑ 42%
149,785
Population
107,684

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
17.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Allen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $640/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $7,680/year.

Median household income is $41,104/year higher in Allen. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $429,900 in Allen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Allen — common questions

Is Joliet or Allen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Allen?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Allen it's $1,877/month — a difference of $640/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Allen?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $129,130 in Allen. Median household income is $41,104/year higher in Allen.
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 Allen?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Allen has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,877/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Allen details →

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