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

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Joliet is 6% more expensive than Odessa.

$1,237/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↑ 7%
$88,026/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↓ 17%
$248,600 ↑ 20%
Home Value
$208,000 ↓ 16%
$1,472/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 15%
149,785
Population
114,080

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
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $85/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $1,020/year.

Median household income is $14,996/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Odessa — common questions

Is Joliet or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Odessa is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Odessa?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $85/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Odessa?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $14,996/year higher in Joliet.
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 Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Odessa details →

More Comparisons

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