Cost of Living: Joliet, IL vs Tuscaloosa, AL (2026)

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Tuscaloosa

Alabama
73

Joliet is 21% more expensive than Tuscaloosa.

$1,237/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,005/mo ↓ 19%
$88,026/yr ↑ 81%
Median Income
$48,536/yr ↓ 45%
$248,600 ↑ 5%
Home Value
$236,600 ↓ 5%
$1,472/mo ↑ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,038/mo ↓ 29%
149,785
Population
107,699

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
5.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.41%

Affordability

16.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Tuscaloosa, AL, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $232/month cheaper in Tuscaloosa, saving renters about $2,784/year.

Median household income is $39,490/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $236,600 in Tuscaloosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Tuscaloosa — common questions

Is Joliet or Tuscaloosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tuscaloosa is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Tuscaloosa?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Tuscaloosa it's $1,005/month — a difference of $232/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Tuscaloosa?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $48,536 in Tuscaloosa. Median household income is $39,490/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Alabama?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax.
Should I move to Joliet or Tuscaloosa?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Tuscaloosa has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,005/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Tuscaloosa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Joliet and Tuscaloosa

Joliet vs. Jackson Joliet vs. Surprise Joliet vs. Escondido Joliet vs. Naperville Joliet vs. Bellevue Joliet vs. Pasadena Tuscaloosa vs. Tyler Tuscaloosa vs. Allen Tuscaloosa vs. Riverview Tuscaloosa vs. New York Tuscaloosa vs. Dearborn Tuscaloosa vs. Los Angeles