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

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Joliet is 55% cheaper than Fullerton.

$1,237/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 72%
$88,026/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↑ 18%
$248,600 ↓ 71%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 246%
$1,472/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 53%
149,785
Population
141,278

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $887/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $10,644/year.

Median household income is $16,193/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Joliet or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Fullerton?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $887/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Fullerton?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $16,193/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with rent of $2,124/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Fullerton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Joliet and Fullerton

Joliet vs. Jackson Joliet vs. Surprise Joliet vs. Escondido Joliet vs. Naperville Joliet vs. Bellevue Joliet vs. Pasadena Fullerton vs. Waco Fullerton vs. Metairie Fullerton vs. Visalia Fullerton vs. Orange Fullerton vs. Thornton Fullerton vs. Warren