Cost of Living: Virginia Beach, VA vs Joliet, IL (2026)

Virginia Beach

Virginia
117
VS

Joliet

Illinois
88

Virginia Beach is 33% more expensive than Joliet.

$1,649/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,237/mo ↓ 25%
$90,685/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$88,026/yr ↓ 3%
$366,300 ↑ 47%
Home Value
$248,600 ↓ 32%
$1,704/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,472/mo ↓ 14%
457,066
Population
149,785

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

21.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
16.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Virginia Beach, VA and Joliet, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $412/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $4,944/year.

Median household income is $2,659/year higher in Virginia Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Virginia Beach is $366,300 compared to $248,600 in Joliet.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Joliet slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Virginia Beach vs Joliet — common questions

Is Virginia Beach or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Virginia Beach and Joliet?
Median rent in Virginia Beach is $1,649/month and in Joliet it's $1,237/month — a difference of $412/month.
Which city has higher income, Virginia Beach or Joliet?
Median household income is $90,685 in Virginia Beach and $88,026 in Joliet. Median household income is $2,659/year higher in Virginia Beach.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and Illinois?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Virginia Beach or Joliet?
It depends on your priorities. Virginia Beach has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,649/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 Virginia Beach details → View Joliet details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Virginia Beach and Joliet

Virginia Beach vs. Long Beach Virginia Beach vs. Miami Virginia Beach vs. Raleigh Virginia Beach vs. Oakland Virginia Beach vs. Colorado Springs Virginia Beach vs. Minneapolis Joliet vs. Jackson Joliet vs. Surprise Joliet vs. Escondido Joliet vs. Naperville Joliet vs. Bellevue Joliet vs. Pasadena