Cost of Living: Joliet, IL vs South Fulton, GA (2026)

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

South Fulton

Georgia
103

Joliet is 15% cheaper than South Fulton.

$1,237/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,607/mo ↑ 30%
$88,026/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$81,798/yr ↓ 7%
$248,600 ↓ 8%
Home Value
$270,600 ↑ 9%
$1,472/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,541/mo ↑ 5%
149,785
Population
109,157

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.49%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

16.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and South Fulton, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $370/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $4,440/year.

Median household income is $6,228/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $270,600 in South Fulton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs South Fulton — common questions

Is Joliet or South Fulton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 103 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and South Fulton?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in South Fulton it's $1,607/month — a difference of $370/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or South Fulton?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $81,798 in South Fulton. Median household income is $6,228/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Georgia?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Joliet or South Fulton?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while South Fulton has a cost index of 103 with rent of $1,607/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View South Fulton details →

More Comparisons

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