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

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Vallejo

California
155

Joliet is 43% cheaper than Vallejo.

$1,237/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$2,013/mo ↑ 63%
$88,026/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$89,496/yr ↑ 2%
$248,600 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$557,500 ↑ 124%
$1,472/mo ↓ 28%
Owner Costs
$2,058/mo ↑ 40%
149,785
Population
124,637

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
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Vallejo, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 155 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $776/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $9,312/year.

Median household income is $1,470/year higher in Vallejo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $557,500 in Vallejo.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Vallejo — common questions

Is Joliet or Vallejo cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 155 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Vallejo?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Vallejo it's $2,013/month — a difference of $776/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Vallejo?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $89,496 in Vallejo. Median household income is $1,470/year higher in Vallejo.
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 Vallejo?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Vallejo has a cost index of 155 with rent of $2,013/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Vallejo details →

More Comparisons

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