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

Salinas

California
156
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Salinas is 77% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,923/mo ↑ 55%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 36%
$89,150/yr ↑ 1%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↓ 1%
$610,900 ↑ 146%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 59%
$1,912/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↓ 23%
161,993
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

25.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salinas, CA and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 156 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $686/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $8,232/year.

Median household income is $1,124/year higher in Salinas. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salinas is $610,900 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salinas vs Joliet — common questions

Is Salinas or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 156 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salinas and Joliet?
Median rent in Salinas is $1,923/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $686/month.
Which city has higher income, Salinas or Joliet?
Median household income is $89,150 in Salinas and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $1,124/year higher in Salinas.
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 Salinas or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Salinas has a cost index of 156 with median rent of $1,923/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 Salinas details → View Joliet details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Salinas and Joliet

Salinas vs. Palmdale Salinas vs. Hayward Salinas vs. Springfield Salinas vs. Corona Salinas vs. Fort Collins Salinas vs. Paterson Joliet vs. Jackson Joliet vs. Surprise Joliet vs. Escondido Joliet vs. Naperville Joliet vs. Bellevue Joliet vs. Pasadena