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

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Joliet is 31% cheaper than Richardson.

$1,237/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↑ 48%
$88,026/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↑ 9%
$248,600 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$405,600 ↑ 63%
$1,472/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↑ 22%
149,785
Population
118,269

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
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $588/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $7,056/year.

Median household income is $8,231/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Richardson — common questions

Is Joliet or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Richardson?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $588/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Richardson?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $8,231/year higher in Richardson.
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 Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Richardson details →

More Comparisons

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