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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

San Bernardino is 24% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,433/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 14%
$63,988/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 38%
$384,900 ↑ 55%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 35%
$1,478/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ≈ Same
221,774
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

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $196/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $2,352/year.

Median household income is $24,038/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Joliet — common questions

Is San Bernardino 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 San Bernardino and Joliet?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $196/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Joliet?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $24,038/year higher in Joliet.
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 San Bernardino or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/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 Bernardino details → View Joliet details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Bernardino and Joliet

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