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

Tucson

Arizona
76
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Tucson is 14% cheaper than Joliet.

$1,079/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↑ 15%
$54,546/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 61%
$242,200 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$248,600 ↑ 3%
$1,076/mo ↓ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↑ 37%
543,348
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

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tucson, AZ and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $158/month cheaper in Tucson, saving renters about $1,896/year.

Median household income is $33,480/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tucson is $242,200 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tucson vs Joliet — common questions

Is Tucson or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tucson is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tucson and Joliet?
Median rent in Tucson is $1,079/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $158/month.
Which city has higher income, Tucson or Joliet?
Median household income is $54,546 in Tucson and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $33,480/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 Tucson or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Tucson has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,079/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 Tucson details → View Joliet details →

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