Cost of Living: Joliet, IL vs McAllen, TX (2026)

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

McAllen

Texas
66

Joliet is 33% more expensive than McAllen.

$1,237/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,017/mo ↓ 18%
$88,026/yr ↑ 46%
Median Income
$60,165/yr ↓ 32%
$248,600 ↑ 43%
Home Value
$173,800 ↓ 30%
$1,472/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$996/mo ↓ 32%
149,785
Population
143,789

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

16.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and McAllen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 66 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $220/month cheaper in McAllen, saving renters about $2,640/year.

Median household income is $27,861/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $173,800 in McAllen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs McAllen — common questions

Is Joliet or McAllen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, McAllen is cheaper to live in with an index of 66 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and McAllen?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in McAllen it's $1,017/month — a difference of $220/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or McAllen?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $60,165 in McAllen. Median household income is $27,861/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Texas?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Joliet or McAllen?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while McAllen has a cost index of 66 with rent of $1,017/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View McAllen details →

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