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

Ontario

California
152
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Ontario is 73% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,916/mo ↑ 55%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 35%
$82,806/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 6%
$568,000 ↑ 128%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 56%
$1,967/mo ↑ 34%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↓ 25%
178,347
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

27.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ontario, CA and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $679/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $8,148/year.

Median household income is $5,220/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ontario is $568,000 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Ontario vs Joliet — common questions

Is Ontario or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ontario and Joliet?
Median rent in Ontario is $1,916/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $679/month.
Which city has higher income, Ontario or Joliet?
Median household income is $82,806 in Ontario and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $5,220/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 Ontario or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Ontario has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,916/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 Ontario details → View Joliet details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Ontario and Joliet

Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa Joliet vs. Jackson Joliet vs. Surprise Joliet vs. Escondido Joliet vs. Naperville Joliet vs. Bellevue Joliet vs. Pasadena