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

Lubbock

Texas
75
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Lubbock is 15% cheaper than Joliet.

$1,137/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↑ 9%
$60,487/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 46%
$197,900 ↓ 20%
Home Value
$248,600 ↑ 26%
$1,179/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↑ 25%
261,078
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lubbock, TX and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $100/month cheaper in Lubbock, saving renters about $1,200/year.

Median household income is $27,539/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lubbock is $197,900 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lubbock vs Joliet — common questions

Is Lubbock or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lubbock is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lubbock and Joliet?
Median rent in Lubbock is $1,137/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $100/month.
Which city has higher income, Lubbock or Joliet?
Median household income is $60,487 in Lubbock and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $27,539/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 Lubbock or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Lubbock has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,137/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 Lubbock details → View Joliet details →

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