Santa Rosa, CA vs Joliet, IL: 172 vs 88

$2,084/mo ↑ 68%

Median Rent

$1,237/mo ↓ 41%

$97,410/yr ↑ 11%

Median Income

$88,026/yr ↓ 10%

$685,000 ↑ 176%

Home Value

$248,600 ↓ 64%

$2,130/mo ↑ 45%

Owner Costs

$1,472/mo ↓ 31%

177,216

Population

149,785

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Rosa, CA and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $847/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $10,164/year.

Median household income is $9,384/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Rosa is $685,000 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Rosa vs Joliet — common questions

Is Santa Rosa or Joliet cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 172 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Rosa and Joliet?

Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $847/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Rosa or Joliet?

Median household income is $97,410 in Santa Rosa and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $9,384/year higher in Santa Rosa.

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 Rosa or Joliet?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,084/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.

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

Santa Rosa

Joliet

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

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