Cost of Living: Plano, TX vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Plano

Texas
132
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Plano is 50% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,792/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 31%
$108,649/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↓ 19%
$440,600 ↑ 77%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 44%
$1,829/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↓ 20%
287,339
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
1.6%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Plano, TX and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $555/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $6,660/year.

Median household income is $20,623/year higher in Plano. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Plano is $440,600 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Plano residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Plano vs Joliet — common questions

Is Plano or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Plano and Joliet?
Median rent in Plano is $1,792/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $555/month.
Which city has higher income, Plano or Joliet?
Median household income is $108,649 in Plano and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $20,623/year higher in Plano.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Illinois?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Plano or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Plano has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,792/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 Plano details → View Joliet details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Plano and Joliet

Plano vs. Durham Plano vs. Chandler Plano vs. Anchorage Plano vs. Buffalo Plano vs. Jersey City Plano vs. Madison Joliet vs. Jackson Joliet vs. Surprise Joliet vs. Escondido Joliet vs. Naperville Joliet vs. Bellevue Joliet vs. Pasadena