Cost of Living: Joliet, IL vs The Woodlands, TX (2026)

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Joliet is 37% cheaper than The Woodlands.

$1,237/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 45%
$88,026/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 61%
$248,600 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$479,400 ↑ 93%
$1,472/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 36%
149,785
Population
116,916

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
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $555/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $6,660/year.

Median household income is $53,327/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Joliet or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $555/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $53,327/year higher in The Woodlands.
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 The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View The Woodlands details →

More Comparisons

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