Cost of Living: Joliet, IL vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Joliet is 12% cheaper than Wilmington.

$1,237/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↑ 6%
$88,026/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 27%
$248,600 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$350,300 ↑ 41%
$1,472/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 7%
149,785
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
2.07%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

16.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $74/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $888/year.

Median household income is $24,126/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Wilmington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Joliet or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Wilmington?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $74/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Wilmington?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $24,126/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and North Carolina?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Joliet or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Wilmington details →

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