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

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Torrance

California
218

Joliet is 60% cheaper than Torrance.

$1,237/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$2,214/mo ↑ 79%
$88,026/yr ↓ 22%
Median Income
$113,105/yr ↑ 28%
$248,600 ↓ 76%
Home Value
$1,036,600 ↑ 317%
$1,472/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$2,295/mo ↑ 56%
149,785
Population
143,499

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Torrance, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 218 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $977/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $11,724/year.

Median household income is $25,079/year higher in Torrance. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $1,036,600 in Torrance.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Torrance — common questions

Is Joliet or Torrance cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 218 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Torrance?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Torrance it's $2,214/month — a difference of $977/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Torrance?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $113,105 in Torrance. Median household income is $25,079/year higher in Torrance.
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 Torrance?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Torrance has a cost index of 218 with rent of $2,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Torrance details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Joliet and Torrance

Joliet vs. Jackson Joliet vs. Surprise Joliet vs. Escondido Joliet vs. Naperville Joliet vs. Bellevue Joliet vs. Pasadena Torrance vs. Gainesville Torrance vs. Thornton Torrance vs. Olathe Torrance vs. Visalia Torrance vs. McAllen Torrance vs. Waco