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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Modesto is 36% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,609/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 23%
$77,899/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 13%
$415,600 ↑ 67%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 40%
$1,613/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↓ 9%
218,614
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

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $372/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $4,464/year.

Median household income is $10,127/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Joliet — common questions

Is Modesto or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Joliet?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $372/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Joliet?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $10,127/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 Modesto or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Joliet details →

More Comparisons

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Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Joliet vs. Jackson Joliet vs. Surprise Joliet vs. Escondido Joliet vs. Naperville Joliet vs. Bellevue Joliet vs. Pasadena