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

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Carrollton

Texas
116

Joliet is 24% cheaper than Carrollton.

$1,237/mo ↓ 26%
Median Rent
$1,674/mo ↑ 35%
$88,026/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$99,115/yr ↑ 13%
$248,600 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$353,600 ↑ 42%
$1,472/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,689/mo ↑ 15%
149,785
Population
132,741

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
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Carrollton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 116 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $437/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $5,244/year.

Median household income is $11,089/year higher in Carrollton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $353,600 in Carrollton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Carrollton — common questions

Is Joliet or Carrollton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 116 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Carrollton?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Carrollton it's $1,674/month — a difference of $437/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Carrollton?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $99,115 in Carrollton. Median household income is $11,089/year higher in Carrollton.
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 Carrollton?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Carrollton has a cost index of 116 with rent of $1,674/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Carrollton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Joliet and Carrollton

Joliet vs. Jackson Joliet vs. Surprise Joliet vs. Escondido Joliet vs. Naperville Joliet vs. Bellevue Joliet vs. Pasadena Carrollton vs. New Haven Carrollton vs. Santa Clara Carrollton vs. Sterling Heights Carrollton vs. Fargo Carrollton vs. Coral Springs Carrollton vs. Norman