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

Stockton

California
115
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Stockton is 31% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,495/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 17%
$76,851/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 15%
$412,900 ↑ 66%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 40%
$1,555/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↓ 5%
320,470
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

23.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $258/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $3,096/year.

Median household income is $11,175/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Joliet — common questions

Is Stockton or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Joliet?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $258/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Joliet?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $11,175/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 Stockton or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/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 Stockton details → View Joliet details →

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