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

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Joliet is 3% cheaper than College Station.

$1,237/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 6%
$88,026/yr ↑ 70%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 41%
$248,600 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$326,500 ↑ 31%
$1,472/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 15%
149,785
Population
122,280

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
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $69/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $828/year.

Median household income is $36,250/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs College Station — common questions

Is Joliet or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and College Station?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $69/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or College Station?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $36,250/year higher in Joliet.
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 College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Joliet and College Station

Joliet vs. Jackson Joliet vs. Surprise Joliet vs. Escondido Joliet vs. Naperville Joliet vs. Bellevue Joliet vs. Pasadena College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette