Cost of Living: Joliet, IL vs Thousand Oaks, CA (2026)

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Thousand Oaks

California
226

Joliet is 61% cheaper than Thousand Oaks.

$1,237/mo ↓ 52%
Median Rent
$2,580/mo ↑ 109%
$88,026/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$134,367/yr ↑ 53%
$248,600 ↓ 74%
Home Value
$951,200 ↑ 283%
$1,472/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$2,726/mo ↑ 85%
149,785
Population
125,676

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
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Thousand Oaks, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 226 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,343/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $16,116/year.

Median household income is $46,341/year higher in Thousand Oaks. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $951,200 in Thousand Oaks.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Thousand Oaks — common questions

Is Joliet or Thousand Oaks cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 226 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Thousand Oaks?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Thousand Oaks it's $2,580/month — a difference of $1,343/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Thousand Oaks?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $134,367 in Thousand Oaks. Median household income is $46,341/year higher in Thousand Oaks.
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 Thousand Oaks?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Thousand Oaks has a cost index of 226 with rent of $2,580/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Thousand Oaks details →

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