Cost of Living: Joliet, IL vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Joliet is 38% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,237/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 55%
$88,026/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 6%
$248,600 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 59%
$1,472/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 8%
149,785
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.25%
Sales Tax
5.6%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

16.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $680/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $8,160/year.

Median household income is $5,345/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Surprise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Surprise — common questions

Is Joliet or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Surprise?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $680/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Surprise?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $5,345/year higher in Surprise.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Arizona?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Joliet or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Surprise details →