Cost of Living: Norfolk, VA vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Norfolk

Virginia
89
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Norfolk and Joliet have a similar cost of living.

$1,246/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ≈ Same
$64,017/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 38%
$271,900 ↑ 9%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 9%
$1,366/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↑ 8%
235,037
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

23.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Norfolk, VA and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 89 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $24,009/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Norfolk is $271,900 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Norfolk vs Joliet — common questions

Is Norfolk or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 89 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Norfolk and Joliet?
Median rent in Norfolk is $1,246/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $9/month.
Which city has higher income, Norfolk or Joliet?
Median household income is $64,017 in Norfolk and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $24,009/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Illinois?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Norfolk or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Norfolk has a cost index of 89 with median rent of $1,246/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 Norfolk details → View Joliet details →

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