Joliet, IL vs Normal, IL

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Normal is 20% cheaper than Joliet. With a cost index of 78 vs 94, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Normal to Joliet should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month compared to $974/month in Normal — a 27% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Normal is more affordable at $199,900 median vs $248,600.

Median household income in Joliet is $88,026 compared to $66,350 in Normal (+32.7%). While Joliet is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Joliet spend roughly 16.9% of their income on rent, less than the 17.6% in Normal.

Climate-wise, Normal is notably warmer with an average of 52.7°F compared to 49.4°F in Joliet. Normal receives more rainfall at 37.6" per year compared to 33.8" in Joliet.