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

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Orange

California
206

Joliet is 57% cheaper than Orange.

$1,237/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 82%
$88,026/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↑ 33%
$248,600 ↓ 72%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 262%
$1,472/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 63%
149,785
Population
138,723

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,015/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $12,180/year.

Median household income is $28,919/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Orange — common questions

Is Joliet or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Orange?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $1,015/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Orange?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $28,919/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Orange details →

More Comparisons

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