Cost of Living: Joliet, IL vs Columbia, SC (2026)

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Columbia

South Carolina
80

Joliet is 10% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,237/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,158/mo ↓ 6%
$88,026/yr ↑ 58%
Median Income
$55,653/yr ↓ 37%
$248,600 ↑ 2%
Home Value
$243,500 ↓ 2%
$1,472/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,169/mo ↓ 21%
149,785
Population
138,019

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

16.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Columbia, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $79/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $948/year.

Median household income is $32,373/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $243,500 in Columbia.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Columbia — common questions

Is Joliet or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Columbia?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Columbia it's $1,158/month — a difference of $79/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Columbia?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $55,653 in Columbia. Median household income is $32,373/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and South Carolina?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Joliet or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,158/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Columbia details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Joliet and Columbia

Joliet vs. Jackson Joliet vs. Surprise Joliet vs. Escondido Joliet vs. Naperville Joliet vs. Bellevue Joliet vs. Pasadena Columbia vs. Warren Columbia vs. West Valley City Columbia vs. Orange Columbia vs. Hampton Columbia vs. Metairie Columbia vs. Cedar Rapids