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

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Joliet is 47% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,237/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 77%
$88,026/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 16%
$248,600 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 138%
$1,472/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 51%
149,785
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $954/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $11,448/year.

Median household income is $14,295/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Joliet or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Fairfield?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $954/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Fairfield?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $14,295/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Joliet and Fairfield

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