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

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Tyler

Texas
79

Joliet is 11% more expensive than Tyler.

$1,237/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,199/mo ↓ 3%
$88,026/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$65,527/yr ↓ 26%
$248,600 ↑ 15%
Home Value
$216,400 ↓ 13%
$1,472/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,170/mo ↓ 21%
149,785
Population
107,718

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
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Tyler, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $22,499/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $216,400 in Tyler.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Tyler — common questions

Is Joliet or Tyler cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tyler is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Tyler?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Tyler it's $1,199/month — a difference of $38/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Tyler?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $65,527 in Tyler. Median household income is $22,499/year higher in Joliet.
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 Tyler?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Tyler has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,199/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Tyler details →

More Comparisons

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