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

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Downey

California
169

Joliet is 48% cheaper than Downey.

$1,237/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 53%
$88,026/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$87,400/yr ≈ Same
$248,600 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 193%
$1,472/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 36%
149,785
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $655/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $7,860/year.

Median household income is $626/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Downey — common questions

Is Joliet or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Downey?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $655/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Downey?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $626/year higher in Joliet.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Downey details →

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