Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Raleigh is 25% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,468/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 16%
$82,424/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 7%
$377,800 ↑ 52%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 34%
$1,487/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↓ 1%
470,763
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $231/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $2,772/year.

Median household income is $5,602/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Raleigh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Joliet — common questions

Is Raleigh or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Joliet?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $231/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Joliet?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $5,602/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Illinois?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% 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 Raleigh or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Joliet details →

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