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

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Long Beach is 92% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,803/mo ↑ 46%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 31%
$83,969/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 5%
$762,200 ↑ 207%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 67%
$1,890/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↓ 22%
458,491
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

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $566/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $6,792/year.

Median household income is $4,057/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Joliet — common questions

Is Long Beach or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Joliet?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $566/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Joliet?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $4,057/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 Long Beach or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/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 Long Beach details → View Joliet details →

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