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

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Joliet is 71% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,237/mo ↓ 59%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 141%
$88,026/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 97%
$248,600 ↓ 84%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 515%
$1,472/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 107%
149,785
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,748/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $20,976/year.

Median household income is $85,644/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Joliet or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,748/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $85,644/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Joliet and Santa Clara

Joliet vs. Jackson Joliet vs. Surprise Joliet vs. Escondido Joliet vs. Naperville Joliet vs. Bellevue Joliet vs. Pasadena Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville