Cost of Living: Tallahassee, FL vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Tallahassee

Florida
87
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Tallahassee and Joliet have a similar cost of living.

$1,238/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ≈ Same
$55,931/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 57%
$276,000 ↑ 11%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 10%
$1,237/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↑ 19%
199,696
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tallahassee, FL and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 87 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $32,095/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tallahassee is $276,000 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tallahassee vs Joliet — common questions

Is Tallahassee or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tallahassee is cheaper to live in with an index of 87 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tallahassee and Joliet?
Median rent in Tallahassee is $1,238/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $1/month.
Which city has higher income, Tallahassee or Joliet?
Median household income is $55,931 in Tallahassee and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $32,095/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 Tallahassee or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Tallahassee has a cost index of 87 with median rent of $1,238/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 Tallahassee details → View Joliet details →

More Comparisons

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Tallahassee vs. Amarillo Tallahassee vs. Birmingham Tallahassee vs. Oxnard Tallahassee vs. Sunrise Manor Tallahassee vs. Augusta Tallahassee vs. Grand Prairie Joliet vs. Jackson Joliet vs. Surprise Joliet vs. Escondido Joliet vs. Naperville Joliet vs. Bellevue Joliet vs. Pasadena