Cost of Living: Joliet, IL vs East Los Angeles, CA (2026)

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

East Los Angeles

California
134

Joliet is 34% cheaper than East Los Angeles.

$1,237/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,431/mo ↑ 16%
$88,026/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$68,378/yr ↓ 22%
$248,600 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$613,600 ↑ 147%
$1,472/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,458/mo ≈ Same
149,785
Population
114,617

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and East Los Angeles, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $194/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $2,328/year.

Median household income is $19,648/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $613,600 in East Los Angeles.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs East Los Angeles — common questions

Is Joliet or East Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and East Los Angeles?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in East Los Angeles it's $1,431/month — a difference of $194/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or East Los Angeles?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $68,378 in East Los Angeles. Median household income is $19,648/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 East Los Angeles?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,431/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View East Los Angeles details →

More Comparisons

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