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

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Mesquite

Texas
89

Joliet and Mesquite have a similar cost of living.

$1,237/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↑ 14%
$88,026/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$71,843/yr ↓ 18%
$248,600 ↑ 10%
Home Value
$226,500 ↓ 9%
$1,472/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,383/mo ↓ 6%
149,785
Population
148,848

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

16.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Mesquite, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 89 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $170/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $2,040/year.

Median household income is $16,183/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $226,500 in Mesquite.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Mesquite — common questions

Is Joliet or Mesquite cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Mesquite?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Mesquite it's $1,407/month — a difference of $170/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Mesquite?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $71,843 in Mesquite. Median household income is $16,183/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 Mesquite?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Mesquite has a cost index of 89 with rent of $1,407/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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