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

Moreno Valley

California
144
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Moreno Valley is 64% more expensive than Joliet.

$2,036/mo ↑ 65%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 39%
$87,477/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$88,026/yr ≈ Same
$461,400 ↑ 86%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 46%
$1,980/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↓ 26%
210,378
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

27.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Moreno Valley, CA and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $799/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $9,588/year.

Median household income is $549/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Moreno Valley is $461,400 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Moreno Valley vs Joliet — common questions

Is Moreno Valley or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Moreno Valley and Joliet?
Median rent in Moreno Valley is $2,036/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $799/month.
Which city has higher income, Moreno Valley or Joliet?
Median household income is $87,477 in Moreno Valley and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $549/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 Moreno Valley or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Moreno Valley has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $2,036/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 Moreno Valley details → View Joliet details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Moreno Valley and Joliet

Moreno Valley vs. Fontana Moreno Valley vs. Frisco Moreno Valley vs. Des Moines Moreno Valley vs. Rochester Moreno Valley vs. Modesto Moreno Valley vs. Fayetteville Joliet vs. Jackson Joliet vs. Surprise Joliet vs. Escondido Joliet vs. Naperville Joliet vs. Bellevue Joliet vs. Pasadena