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

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Joliet is 12% more expensive than Pasadena.

$1,237/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↓ 3%
$88,026/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↓ 27%
$248,600 ↑ 28%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 22%
$1,472/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↓ 22%
149,785
Population
149,345

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
Sales Tax
6.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

16.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $23,756/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $193,600 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Joliet or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 88 (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 $1,201/month — a difference of $36/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Pasadena?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $23,756/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 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 76 with rent of $1,201/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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