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

San Antonio

Texas
82
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

San Antonio is 7% cheaper than Joliet.

$1,258/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 2%
$62,917/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 40%
$219,700 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$248,600 ↑ 13%
$1,235/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↑ 19%
1,458,954
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Antonio, TX and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $25,109/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Antonio is $219,700 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Antonio vs Joliet — common questions

Is San Antonio or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Antonio is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Antonio and Joliet?
Median rent in San Antonio is $1,258/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $21/month.
Which city has higher income, San Antonio or Joliet?
Median household income is $62,917 in San Antonio and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $25,109/year higher in Joliet.
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 San Antonio or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. San Antonio has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,258/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 San Antonio details → View Joliet details →

More Comparisons

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