Cost of Living: Tacoma, WA vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Tacoma is 43% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,597/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 23%
$83,857/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 5%
$454,600 ↑ 83%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 45%
$1,747/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↓ 16%
220,482
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.92%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $360/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $4,320/year.

Median household income is $4,169/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Tacoma residents a significant tax advantage over Illinois's 4.95% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Joliet — common questions

Is Tacoma or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Joliet?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $360/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Joliet?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $4,169/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Illinois?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Tacoma or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/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 Tacoma details → View Joliet details →

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