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

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Tampa is 28% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,567/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 21%
$71,302/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 23%
$375,300 ↑ 51%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 34%
$1,553/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↓ 5%
393,389
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $330/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $3,960/year.

Median household income is $16,724/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Joliet — common questions

Is Tampa or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 113 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Joliet?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $330/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Joliet?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $16,724/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 Tampa or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/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 Tampa details → View Joliet details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Tampa and Joliet

Tampa vs. Arlington Tampa vs. Aurora Tampa vs. Wichita Tampa vs. New Orleans Tampa vs. Bakersfield Tampa vs. Cleveland Joliet vs. Jackson Joliet vs. Surprise Joliet vs. Escondido Joliet vs. Naperville Joliet vs. Bellevue Joliet vs. Pasadena