Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Phoenix is 24% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,458/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 15%
$77,041/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 14%
$381,900 ↑ 54%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 35%
$1,430/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↑ 3%
1,624,832
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $221/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $2,652/year.

Median household income is $10,985/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Phoenix slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Joliet — common questions

Is Phoenix or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Joliet?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $221/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Joliet?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $10,985/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Illinois?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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 Phoenix details → View Joliet details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Phoenix and Joliet

Phoenix vs. Houston Phoenix vs. Philadelphia Phoenix vs. Chicago Phoenix vs. San Antonio Phoenix vs. Los Angeles Phoenix vs. San Diego Joliet vs. Jackson Joliet vs. Surprise Joliet vs. Escondido Joliet vs. Naperville Joliet vs. Bellevue Joliet vs. Pasadena