Cost of Living: Joliet, IL vs High Point, NC (2026)

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

High Point

North Carolina
73

Joliet is 21% more expensive than High Point.

$1,237/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,062/mo ↓ 14%
$88,026/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$61,228/yr ↓ 30%
$248,600 ↑ 17%
Home Value
$212,400 ↓ 15%
$1,472/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 26%
149,785
Population
115,263

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

16.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and High Point, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $175/month cheaper in High Point, saving renters about $2,100/year.

Median household income is $26,798/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $212,400 in High Point.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making High Point slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs High Point — common questions

Is Joliet or High Point cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, High Point is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and High Point?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in High Point it's $1,062/month — a difference of $175/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or High Point?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $61,228 in High Point. Median household income is $26,798/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and North Carolina?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Joliet or High Point?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while High Point has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,062/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View High Point details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Joliet and High Point

Joliet vs. Jackson Joliet vs. Surprise Joliet vs. Escondido Joliet vs. Naperville Joliet vs. Bellevue Joliet vs. Pasadena High Point vs. Richmond High Point vs. League City High Point vs. Manchester High Point vs. Lowell High Point vs. Westminster High Point vs. East Los Angeles