Cost of Living: Joliet, IL vs Berkeley, CA (2026)

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Joliet is 65% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,237/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 72%
$88,026/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 23%
$248,600 ↓ 82%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 443%
$1,472/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 59%
149,785
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

16.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $890/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $10,680/year.

Median household income is $20,532/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Joliet or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Berkeley?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $890/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Berkeley?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $20,532/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and California?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Joliet or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Berkeley details →

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