Cost of Living: Joliet, IL vs Murrieta, CA (2026)

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Murrieta

California
175

Joliet is 50% cheaper than Murrieta.

$1,237/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$2,330/mo ↑ 88%
$88,026/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$109,780/yr ↑ 25%
$248,600 ↓ 59%
Home Value
$606,900 ↑ 144%
$1,472/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$2,380/mo ↑ 62%
149,785
Population
111,621

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

16.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Murrieta, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,093/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $13,116/year.

Median household income is $21,754/year higher in Murrieta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $606,900 in Murrieta.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Joliet slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Murrieta — common questions

Is Joliet or Murrieta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Murrieta?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Murrieta it's $2,330/month — a difference of $1,093/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Murrieta?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $109,780 in Murrieta. Median household income is $21,754/year higher in Murrieta.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and California?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Joliet or Murrieta?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Murrieta has a cost index of 175 with rent of $2,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Murrieta details →

More Comparisons

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