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

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Round Rock

Texas
122

Joliet is 28% cheaper than Round Rock.

$1,237/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,713/mo ↑ 38%
$88,026/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$97,187/yr ↑ 10%
$248,600 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$383,700 ↑ 54%
$1,472/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,781/mo ↑ 21%
149,785
Population
124,288

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
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Round Rock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $476/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $5,712/year.

Median household income is $9,161/year higher in Round Rock. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $383,700 in Round Rock.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Round Rock — common questions

Is Joliet or Round Rock cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Round Rock?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Round Rock it's $1,713/month — a difference of $476/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Round Rock?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $97,187 in Round Rock. Median household income is $9,161/year higher in Round Rock.
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 Round Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Round Rock has a cost index of 122 with rent of $1,713/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Round Rock details →

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