Cost of Living: Scottsdale, AZ vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Scottsdale

Arizona
165
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Scottsdale is 88% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,910/mo ↑ 54%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 35%
$107,372/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↓ 18%
$709,900 ↑ 186%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 65%
$1,824/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↓ 19%
242,169
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Scottsdale, AZ and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 165 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $673/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $8,076/year.

Median household income is $19,346/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Scottsdale is $709,900 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Scottsdale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Scottsdale vs Joliet — common questions

Is Scottsdale or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Scottsdale and Joliet?
Median rent in Scottsdale is $1,910/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $673/month.
Which city has higher income, Scottsdale or Joliet?
Median household income is $107,372 in Scottsdale and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $19,346/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Illinois?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Scottsdale or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with median rent of $1,910/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 Scottsdale details → View Joliet details →

More Comparisons

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