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

Santa Ana

California
163
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Santa Ana is 85% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,975/mo ↑ 60%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 37%
$88,354/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$88,026/yr ≈ Same
$657,800 ↑ 165%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 62%
$1,965/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↓ 25%
311,639
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $738/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $8,856/year.

Median household income is $328/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Joliet — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 163 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Joliet?
Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $738/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Joliet?
Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $328/year higher in Santa Ana.
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 Santa Ana or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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.
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More Comparisons

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