Cost of Living: Joliet, IL vs North Charleston, SC (2026)

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

North Charleston

South Carolina
91

Joliet is 3% cheaper than North Charleston.

$1,237/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↑ 10%
$88,026/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$62,789/yr ↓ 29%
$248,600 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$267,700 ↑ 8%
$1,472/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,312/mo ↓ 11%
149,785
Population
117,460

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
6.4%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.57%

Affordability

16.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and North Charleston, SC, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $127/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $1,524/year.

Median household income is $25,237/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $267,700 in North Charleston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs North Charleston — common questions

Is Joliet or North Charleston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and North Charleston?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in North Charleston it's $1,364/month — a difference of $127/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or North Charleston?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $62,789 in North Charleston. Median household income is $25,237/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and South Carolina?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. South Carolina has 6.4% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.57% property tax.
Should I move to Joliet or North Charleston?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while North Charleston has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,364/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View North Charleston details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Joliet and North Charleston

Joliet vs. Jackson Joliet vs. Surprise Joliet vs. Escondido Joliet vs. Naperville Joliet vs. Bellevue Joliet vs. Pasadena North Charleston vs. Cambridge North Charleston vs. Clearwater North Charleston vs. Richardson North Charleston vs. Lakeland North Charleston vs. Billings North Charleston vs. The Woodlands