Cost of Living: Joliet, IL vs Las Cruces, NM (2026)

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Las Cruces

New Mexico
68

Joliet is 29% more expensive than Las Cruces.

$1,237/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$946/mo ↓ 24%
$88,026/yr ↑ 60%
Median Income
$55,176/yr ↓ 37%
$248,600 ↑ 14%
Home Value
$217,400 ↓ 13%
$1,472/mo ↑ 51%
Owner Costs
$974/mo ↓ 34%
149,785
Population
112,612

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.9%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.67%

Affordability

16.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Las Cruces, NM, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 68 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $291/month cheaper in Las Cruces, saving renters about $3,492/year.

Median household income is $32,850/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $217,400 in Las Cruces.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Las Cruces — common questions

Is Joliet or Las Cruces cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Las Cruces is cheaper to live in with an index of 68 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Las Cruces?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Las Cruces it's $946/month — a difference of $291/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Las Cruces?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $55,176 in Las Cruces. Median household income is $32,850/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and New Mexico?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. New Mexico has 5.9% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 0.67% property tax.
Should I move to Joliet or Las Cruces?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Las Cruces has a cost index of 68 with rent of $946/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Las Cruces details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Joliet and Las Cruces

Joliet vs. Jackson Joliet vs. Surprise Joliet vs. Escondido Joliet vs. Naperville Joliet vs. Bellevue Joliet vs. Pasadena Las Cruces vs. Gresham Las Cruces vs. Lansing Las Cruces vs. Beaumont Las Cruces vs. Pompano Beach Las Cruces vs. Springfield Las Cruces vs. Peoria