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

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Pomona

California
143

Joliet is 55% cheaper than Pomona.

$1,237/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,738/mo ↑ 41%
$88,026/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$78,869/yr ↓ 10%
$248,600 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$569,600 ↑ 129%
$1,472/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,758/mo ↑ 19%
149,785
Population
148,391

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.25%
Sales Tax
7.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Pomona, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 143 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $501/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $6,012/year.

Median household income is $9,157/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $569,600 in Pomona.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Pomona — common questions

Is Joliet or Pomona cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 143 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Pomona?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Pomona it's $1,738/month — a difference of $501/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Pomona?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $78,869 in Pomona. Median household income is $9,157/year higher in Joliet.
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 Pomona?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Pomona has a cost index of 143 with rent of $1,738/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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