Cost of Living: Joliet, IL vs Sugar Land, TX (2026)

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Sugar Land

Texas
135

Joliet is 35% cheaper than Sugar Land.

$1,237/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$1,939/mo ↑ 57%
$88,026/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$137,511/yr ↑ 56%
$248,600 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$406,600 ↑ 64%
$1,472/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,969/mo ↑ 34%
149,785
Population
109,735

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
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Sugar Land, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $702/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $8,424/year.

Median household income is $49,485/year higher in Sugar Land. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $406,600 in Sugar Land.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Sugar Land — common questions

Is Joliet or Sugar Land cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Sugar Land?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Sugar Land it's $1,939/month — a difference of $702/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Sugar Land?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $137,511 in Sugar Land. Median household income is $49,485/year higher in Sugar Land.
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 Sugar Land?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Sugar Land has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,939/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Sugar Land details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Joliet and Sugar Land

Joliet vs. Jackson Joliet vs. Surprise Joliet vs. Escondido Joliet vs. Naperville Joliet vs. Bellevue Joliet vs. Pasadena Sugar Land vs. Santa Maria Sugar Land vs. Greeley Sugar Land vs. Ventura Sugar Land vs. South Fulton Sugar Land vs. Temecula Sugar Land vs. Sparks