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

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Richmond

California
161

Joliet is 45% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,237/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 53%
$88,026/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 2%
$248,600 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 162%
$1,472/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 37%
149,785
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $658/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $7,896/year.

Median household income is $2,012/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Richmond — common questions

Is Joliet or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Richmond?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $658/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Richmond?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $2,012/year higher in Richmond.
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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Richmond details →

More Comparisons

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