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

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Simi Valley

California
200

Joliet is 56% cheaper than Simi Valley.

$1,237/mo ↓ 51%
Median Rent
$2,513/mo ↑ 103%
$88,026/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$117,703/yr ↑ 34%
$248,600 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$753,500 ↑ 203%
$1,472/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$2,576/mo ↑ 75%
149,785
Population
125,769

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Simi Valley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 200 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,276/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $15,312/year.

Median household income is $29,677/year higher in Simi Valley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $753,500 in Simi Valley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Simi Valley — common questions

Is Joliet or Simi Valley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 200 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Simi Valley?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Simi Valley it's $2,513/month — a difference of $1,276/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Simi Valley?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $117,703 in Simi Valley. Median household income is $29,677/year higher in Simi Valley.
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 Simi Valley?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Simi Valley has a cost index of 200 with rent of $2,513/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Simi Valley details →

More Comparisons

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