Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Mesa is 22% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,478/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 16%
$78,779/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 12%
$364,300 ↑ 47%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 32%
$1,404/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↑ 5%
507,478
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $241/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $2,892/year.

Median household income is $9,247/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Mesa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Joliet — common questions

Is Mesa or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Joliet?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $241/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Joliet?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $9,247/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Illinois?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Joliet details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesa and Joliet

Mesa vs. Kansas City Mesa vs. Atlanta Mesa vs. Sacramento Mesa vs. Omaha Mesa vs. Tucson Mesa vs. Colorado Springs Joliet vs. Jackson Joliet vs. Surprise Joliet vs. Escondido Joliet vs. Naperville Joliet vs. Bellevue Joliet vs. Pasadena