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

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Joliet is 7% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,237/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ↑ 5%
$88,026/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 31%
$248,600 ↑ 9%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 8%
$1,472/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 22%
149,785
Population
117,030

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $62/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $744/year.

Median household income is $27,079/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Joliet or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Lakeland?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $62/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Lakeland?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $27,079/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 Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,299/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

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