Cost of Living: Joliet, IL vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Joliet is 26% cheaper than West Palm Beach.

$1,237/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 38%
$88,026/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↓ 21%
$248,600 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$369,800 ↑ 49%
$1,472/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↑ 13%
149,785
Population
119,508

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

16.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $472/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $5,664/year.

Median household income is $18,765/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

Florida has no state income tax, giving West Palm Beach residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Joliet or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $472/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $18,765/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Florida?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Joliet or West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View West Palm Beach details →

More Comparisons

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