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

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Joliet is 16% cheaper than Clearwater.

$1,237/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 24%
$88,026/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 27%
$248,600 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$326,100 ↑ 31%
$1,472/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↓ 4%
149,785
Population
117,075

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
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $302/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $3,624/year.

Median household income is $23,586/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Joliet or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Clearwater?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $302/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Clearwater?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $23,586/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 Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Clearwater details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Joliet and Clearwater

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