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

Sunnyvale

California
341
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Sunnyvale is 288% more expensive than Joliet.

$3,065/mo ↑ 148%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 60%
$181,862/yr ↑ 107%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↓ 52%
$1,816,600 ↑ 631%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 86%
$3,016/mo ↑ 105%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↓ 51%
153,455
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

20.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sunnyvale, CA and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 341 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,828/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $21,936/year.

Median household income is $93,836/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sunnyvale is $1,816,600 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sunnyvale vs Joliet — common questions

Is Sunnyvale or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sunnyvale and Joliet?
Median rent in Sunnyvale is $3,065/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $1,828/month.
Which city has higher income, Sunnyvale or Joliet?
Median household income is $181,862 in Sunnyvale and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $93,836/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with median rent of $3,065/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 Sunnyvale details → View Joliet details →

More Comparisons

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