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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Los Angeles is 112% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,879/mo ↑ 52%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 34%
$80,366/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 10%
$879,500 ↑ 254%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 72%
$2,055/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↓ 28%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $642/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $7,704/year.

Median household income is $7,660/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Joliet — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Joliet?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $642/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Joliet?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $7,660/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 Los Angeles or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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.
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