Cost of Living: Montgomery, AL vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Montgomery

Alabama
64
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Montgomery is 27% cheaper than Joliet.

$1,059/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↑ 17%
$55,687/yr ↓ 37%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 58%
$148,500 ↓ 40%
Home Value
$248,600 ↑ 67%
$1,023/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↑ 44%
198,440
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

5.0%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.41%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

22.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Montgomery, AL and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 64 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $178/month cheaper in Montgomery, saving renters about $2,136/year.

Median household income is $32,339/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Montgomery is $148,500 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Montgomery vs Joliet — common questions

Is Montgomery or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Montgomery is cheaper to live in with an index of 64 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Montgomery and Joliet?
Median rent in Montgomery is $1,059/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $178/month.
Which city has higher income, Montgomery or Joliet?
Median household income is $55,687 in Montgomery and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $32,339/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Alabama and Illinois?
Alabama has 5.0% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.41% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Montgomery or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Montgomery has a cost index of 64 with median rent of $1,059/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 Montgomery details → View Joliet details →

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