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

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Lehigh Acres

Florida
95

Joliet is 7% cheaper than Lehigh Acres.

$1,237/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,496/mo ↑ 21%
$88,026/yr ↑ 41%
Median Income
$62,330/yr ↓ 29%
$248,600 ↓ 6%
Home Value
$263,200 ↑ 6%
$1,472/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,330/mo ↓ 10%
149,785
Population
127,391

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
28.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Lehigh Acres, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $259/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $3,108/year.

Median household income is $25,696/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $263,200 in Lehigh Acres.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Lehigh Acres — common questions

Is Joliet or Lehigh Acres cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Lehigh Acres?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Lehigh Acres it's $1,496/month — a difference of $259/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Lehigh Acres?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $62,330 in Lehigh Acres. Median household income is $25,696/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 Lehigh Acres?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Lehigh Acres has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,496/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Lehigh Acres details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Joliet and Lehigh Acres

Joliet vs. Jackson Joliet vs. Surprise Joliet vs. Escondido Joliet vs. Naperville Joliet vs. Bellevue Joliet vs. Pasadena Lehigh Acres vs. Lewisville Lehigh Acres vs. Columbia Lehigh Acres vs. Norman Lehigh Acres vs. Abilene Lehigh Acres vs. Fargo Lehigh Acres vs. Athens