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

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Midland

Texas
99

Joliet is 11% cheaper than Midland.

$1,237/mo ↓ 12%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↑ 14%
$88,026/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$91,169/yr ↑ 4%
$248,600 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$298,600 ↑ 20%
$1,472/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,468/mo ≈ Same
149,785
Population
133,998

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
18.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Midland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $170/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $2,040/year.

Median household income is $3,143/year higher in Midland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $298,600 in Midland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Midland — common questions

Is Joliet or Midland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 99 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Midland?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Midland it's $1,407/month — a difference of $170/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Midland?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $91,169 in Midland. Median household income is $3,143/year higher in Midland.
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 Midland?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Midland has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,407/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Midland details →

More Comparisons

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