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

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Pearland

Texas
121

Joliet is 27% cheaper than Pearland.

$1,237/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,759/mo ↑ 42%
$88,026/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$112,470/yr ↑ 28%
$248,600 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$330,900 ↑ 33%
$1,472/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,962/mo ↑ 33%
149,785
Population
125,983

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
18.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Pearland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $522/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $6,264/year.

Median household income is $24,444/year higher in Pearland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $330,900 in Pearland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Pearland — common questions

Is Joliet or Pearland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Pearland?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Pearland it's $1,759/month — a difference of $522/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Pearland?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $112,470 in Pearland. Median household income is $24,444/year higher in Pearland.
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 Pearland?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Pearland has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,759/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Pearland details →

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