Cost of Living: Joliet, IL vs Gainesville, FL (2026)

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Gainesville

Florida
81

Joliet is 9% more expensive than Gainesville.

$1,237/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,214/mo ↓ 2%
$88,026/yr ↑ 93%
Median Income
$45,611/yr ↓ 48%
$248,600 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$235,000 ↓ 5%
$1,472/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,167/mo ↓ 21%
149,785
Population
143,611

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

16.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
31.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Gainesville, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $42,415/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $235,000 in Gainesville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Gainesville — common questions

Is Joliet or Gainesville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Gainesville is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Gainesville?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Gainesville it's $1,214/month — a difference of $23/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Gainesville?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $45,611 in Gainesville. Median household income is $42,415/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Florida?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Joliet or Gainesville?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Gainesville has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Gainesville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Joliet and Gainesville

Joliet vs. Jackson Joliet vs. Surprise Joliet vs. Escondido Joliet vs. Naperville Joliet vs. Bellevue Joliet vs. Pasadena Gainesville vs. Olathe Gainesville vs. Torrance Gainesville vs. McAllen Gainesville vs. Thornton Gainesville vs. Syracuse Gainesville vs. Visalia