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

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Joliet is 60% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,237/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 79%
$88,026/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 18%
$248,600 ↓ 76%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 320%
$1,472/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 59%
149,785
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $981/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $11,772/year.

Median household income is $15,752/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Joliet or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Pasadena?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $981/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Pasadena?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $15,752/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Pasadena details →

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