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

Oceanside

California
179
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Oceanside is 103% more expensive than Joliet.

$2,207/mo ↑ 78%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 44%
$93,724/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↓ 6%
$702,000 ↑ 182%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 65%
$2,232/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↓ 34%
172,542
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

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oceanside, CA and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 179 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $970/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $11,640/year.

Median household income is $5,698/year higher in Oceanside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oceanside is $702,000 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oceanside vs Joliet — common questions

Is Oceanside or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 179 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oceanside and Joliet?
Median rent in Oceanside is $2,207/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $970/month.
Which city has higher income, Oceanside or Joliet?
Median household income is $93,724 in Oceanside and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $5,698/year higher in Oceanside.
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 Oceanside or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Oceanside has a cost index of 179 with median rent of $2,207/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 Oceanside details → View Joliet details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Oceanside and Joliet

Oceanside vs. Rancho Cucamonga Oceanside vs. Clarksville Oceanside vs. Salem Oceanside vs. Garden Grove Oceanside vs. Cary Oceanside vs. Pembroke Pines Joliet vs. Jackson Joliet vs. Surprise Joliet vs. Escondido Joliet vs. Naperville Joliet vs. Bellevue Joliet vs. Pasadena