Cost of Living: Joliet, IL vs Athens, GA (2026)

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Joliet is 6% more expensive than Athens.

$1,237/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 6%
$88,026/yr ↑ 70%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 41%
$248,600 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$271,800 ↑ 9%
$1,472/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 21%
149,785
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.49%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

16.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $75/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $900/year.

Median household income is $36,371/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Athens — common questions

Is Joliet or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Athens?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $75/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Athens?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $36,371/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Georgia?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Joliet or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Athens details →

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