Cost of Living: Joliet, IL vs Norman, OK (2026)

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Norman

Oklahoma
76

Joliet is 16% more expensive than Norman.

$1,237/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,064/mo ↓ 14%
$88,026/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$65,060/yr ↓ 26%
$248,600 ↑ 4%
Home Value
$239,300 ↓ 4%
$1,472/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,121/mo ↓ 24%
149,785
Population
128,714

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.5%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.9%

Affordability

16.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Norman, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $173/month cheaper in Norman, saving renters about $2,076/year.

Median household income is $22,966/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $239,300 in Norman.

Oklahoma has a lower income tax rate, making Norman slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Norman — common questions

Is Joliet or Norman cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Norman is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Norman?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Norman it's $1,064/month — a difference of $173/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Norman?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $65,060 in Norman. Median household income is $22,966/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Oklahoma?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax.
Should I move to Joliet or Norman?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Norman has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,064/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Norman details →

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