Cost of Living: Joliet, IL vs Palm Bay, FL (2026)

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Palm Bay

Florida
91

Joliet is 3% cheaper than Palm Bay.

$1,237/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,487/mo ↑ 20%
$88,026/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$67,521/yr ↓ 23%
$248,600 ≈ Same
Home Value
$248,000 ≈ Same
$1,472/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,203/mo ↓ 18%
149,785
Population
125,273

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

16.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Palm Bay, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $250/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $3,000/year.

Median household income is $20,505/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $248,000 in Palm Bay.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Palm Bay residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Palm Bay — common questions

Is Joliet or Palm Bay 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 Palm Bay?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Palm Bay it's $1,487/month — a difference of $250/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Palm Bay?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $67,521 in Palm Bay. Median household income is $20,505/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Florida?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Joliet or Palm Bay?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Palm Bay has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,487/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Palm Bay details →

More Comparisons

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