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

Lancaster

California
124
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Lancaster is 41% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,696/mo ↑ 37%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 27%
$76,083/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 16%
$409,100 ↑ 65%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 39%
$1,746/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↓ 16%
170,013
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.95%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lancaster, CA and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 124 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $459/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $5,508/year.

Median household income is $11,943/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lancaster is $409,100 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lancaster vs Joliet — common questions

Is Lancaster or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lancaster and Joliet?
Median rent in Lancaster is $1,696/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $459/month.
Which city has higher income, Lancaster or Joliet?
Median household income is $76,083 in Lancaster and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $11,943/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between California and Illinois?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Lancaster or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with median rent of $1,696/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 Lancaster details → View Joliet details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lancaster and Joliet

Lancaster vs. Pembroke Pines Lancaster vs. Fort Collins Lancaster vs. Garden Grove Lancaster vs. Springfield Lancaster vs. Clarksville Lancaster vs. Palmdale Joliet vs. Jackson Joliet vs. Surprise Joliet vs. Escondido Joliet vs. Naperville Joliet vs. Bellevue Joliet vs. Pasadena