Cost of Living: St. Petersburg, FL vs Joliet, IL (2026)

St. Petersburg

Florida
106
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

St. Petersburg is 20% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,542/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 20%
$73,118/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 20%
$331,500 ↑ 33%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 25%
$1,435/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↑ 3%
260,646
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.86%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

25.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing St. Petersburg, FL and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 106 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $305/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $3,660/year.

Median household income is $14,908/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in St. Petersburg is $331,500 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

Florida has no state income tax, giving St. Petersburg residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Petersburg vs Joliet — common questions

Is St. Petersburg or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between St. Petersburg and Joliet?
Median rent in St. Petersburg is $1,542/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $305/month.
Which city has higher income, St. Petersburg or Joliet?
Median household income is $73,118 in St. Petersburg and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $14,908/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Illinois?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to St. Petersburg or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. St. Petersburg has a cost index of 106 with median rent of $1,542/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 St. Petersburg details → View Joliet details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for St. Petersburg and Joliet

St. Petersburg vs. Lubbock St. Petersburg vs. Laredo St. Petersburg vs. Fort Wayne St. Petersburg vs. Irving St. Petersburg vs. Toledo St. Petersburg vs. Chesapeake Joliet vs. Jackson Joliet vs. Surprise Joliet vs. Escondido Joliet vs. Naperville Joliet vs. Bellevue Joliet vs. Pasadena