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

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Ventura

California
183

Joliet is 52% cheaper than Ventura.

$1,237/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$2,101/mo ↑ 70%
$88,026/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$100,407/yr ↑ 14%
$248,600 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$778,700 ↑ 213%
$1,472/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$2,118/mo ↑ 44%
149,785
Population
109,900

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Ventura, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 183 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $864/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $10,368/year.

Median household income is $12,381/year higher in Ventura. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $778,700 in Ventura.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Ventura — common questions

Is Joliet or Ventura cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 183 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Ventura?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Ventura it's $2,101/month — a difference of $864/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Ventura?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $100,407 in Ventura. Median household income is $12,381/year higher in Ventura.
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 Ventura?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Ventura has a cost index of 183 with rent of $2,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Ventura details →

More Comparisons

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