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

McKinney

Texas
138
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

McKinney is 57% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,841/mo ↑ 49%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 33%
$120,273/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↓ 27%
$439,500 ↑ 77%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 43%
$2,101/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↓ 30%
202,314
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

18.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing McKinney, TX and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $604/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $7,248/year.

Median household income is $32,247/year higher in McKinney. Home values also differ significantly — the median in McKinney is $439,500 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

McKinney vs Joliet — common questions

Is McKinney or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between McKinney and Joliet?
Median rent in McKinney is $1,841/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $604/month.
Which city has higher income, McKinney or Joliet?
Median household income is $120,273 in McKinney and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $32,247/year higher in McKinney.
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 McKinney or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. McKinney has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,841/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 McKinney details → View Joliet details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for McKinney and Joliet

McKinney vs. Little Rock McKinney vs. Augusta McKinney vs. Salt Lake City McKinney vs. Oxnard McKinney vs. Columbus McKinney vs. Amarillo Joliet vs. Jackson Joliet vs. Surprise Joliet vs. Escondido Joliet vs. Naperville Joliet vs. Bellevue Joliet vs. Pasadena