Cost of Living: Joliet, IL vs Costa Mesa, CA (2026)

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Joliet is 61% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,237/mo ↓ 48%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 94%
$88,026/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 25%
$248,600 ↓ 76%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 324%
$1,472/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 67%
149,785
Population
110,538

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

16.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,158/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $13,896/year.

Median household income is $22,047/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Joliet or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,158/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $22,047/year higher in Costa Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and California?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Joliet or Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Joliet and Costa Mesa

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