Cost of Living: Tempe, AZ vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Tempe is 36% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,623/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 24%
$77,643/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 13%
$421,900 ↑ 70%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 41%
$1,554/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↓ 5%
186,419
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.62%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $386/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $4,632/year.

Median household income is $10,383/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Tempe slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Joliet — common questions

Is Tempe or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Joliet?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $386/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Joliet?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $10,383/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Illinois?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Tempe or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/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 Tempe details → View Joliet details →

More Comparisons

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