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

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Denton

Texas
100

Joliet is 12% cheaper than Denton.

$1,237/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,344/mo ↑ 9%
$88,026/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$73,719/yr ↓ 16%
$248,600 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$325,700 ↑ 31%
$1,472/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,461/mo ≈ Same
149,785
Population
146,987

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
21.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Denton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $107/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $1,284/year.

Median household income is $14,307/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $325,700 in Denton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Denton — common questions

Is Joliet or Denton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Denton?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Denton it's $1,344/month — a difference of $107/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Denton?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $73,719 in Denton. Median household income is $14,307/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 Denton?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Denton has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,344/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Denton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Joliet and Denton

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