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

Killeen

Texas
75
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Killeen is 15% cheaper than Joliet.

$1,147/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↑ 8%
$58,339/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 51%
$196,000 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$248,600 ↑ 27%
$1,176/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↑ 25%
156,144
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Killeen, TX and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $90/month cheaper in Killeen, saving renters about $1,080/year.

Median household income is $29,687/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Killeen is $196,000 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Killeen vs Joliet — common questions

Is Killeen or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Killeen is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Killeen and Joliet?
Median rent in Killeen is $1,147/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $90/month.
Which city has higher income, Killeen or Joliet?
Median household income is $58,339 in Killeen and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $29,687/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Illinois?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Killeen or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Killeen has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,147/mo, while Joliet has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,237/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Killeen details → View Joliet details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Killeen and Joliet

Killeen vs. Lakewood Killeen vs. Kansas City Killeen vs. Macon Killeen vs. Springfield Killeen vs. Alexandria Killeen vs. Sunnyvale Joliet vs. Jackson Joliet vs. Surprise Joliet vs. Escondido Joliet vs. Naperville Joliet vs. Bellevue Joliet vs. Pasadena