Cost of Living: Tulsa, OK vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Tulsa

Oklahoma
67
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Tulsa is 24% cheaper than Joliet.

$998/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↑ 24%
$58,407/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↑ 51%
$189,600 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$248,600 ↑ 31%
$1,027/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↑ 43%
412,322
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

4.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.5%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.9%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tulsa, OK and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $239/month cheaper in Tulsa, saving renters about $2,868/year.

Median household income is $29,619/year higher in Joliet. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tulsa is $189,600 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

Oklahoma has a lower income tax rate, making Tulsa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tulsa vs Joliet — common questions

Is Tulsa or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tulsa is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 88 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tulsa and Joliet?
Median rent in Tulsa is $998/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $239/month.
Which city has higher income, Tulsa or Joliet?
Median household income is $58,407 in Tulsa and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $29,619/year higher in Joliet.
How do taxes compare between Oklahoma and Illinois?
Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Tulsa or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Tulsa has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $998/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 Tulsa details → View Joliet details →

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