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

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Brandon

Florida
108

Joliet is 19% cheaper than Brandon.

$1,237/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,691/mo ↑ 37%
$88,026/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$77,068/yr ↓ 12%
$248,600 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$293,800 ↑ 18%
$1,472/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,546/mo ↑ 5%
149,785
Population
116,365

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

16.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Brandon, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 108 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $454/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $5,448/year.

Median household income is $10,958/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $293,800 in Brandon.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Brandon — common questions

Is Joliet or Brandon cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 108 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Brandon?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Brandon it's $1,691/month — a difference of $454/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Brandon?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $77,068 in Brandon. Median household income is $10,958/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Florida?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Joliet or Brandon?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Brandon has a cost index of 108 with rent of $1,691/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Brandon details →

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