Joliet, IL vs Miami Gardens, FL: 88 vs 115

$1,237/mo ↓ 28%

Median Rent

$1,709/mo ↑ 38%

$88,026/yr ↑ 44%

Median Income

$60,979/yr ↓ 31%

$248,600 ↓ 26%

Home Value

$337,200 ↑ 36%

$1,472/mo ↓ 10%

Owner Costs

$1,640/mo ↑ 11%

149,785

Population

111,264

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Miami Gardens, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $472/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $5,664/year.

Median household income is $27,047/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $337,200 in Miami Gardens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Miami Gardens — common questions

Is Joliet or Miami Gardens cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 115 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Joliet and Miami Gardens?

Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Miami Gardens it's $1,709/month — a difference of $472/month.

Which city has higher income, Joliet or Miami Gardens?

Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $60,979 in Miami Gardens. Median household income is $27,047/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 Miami Gardens?

It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Miami Gardens has a cost index of 115 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

Joliet

Miami Gardens

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

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