Cost of Living in Joliet, IL

With a cost of living index of 94, Joliet, IL is slightly more affordable than average. Living here is 6% cheaper than the national average and 14% above the Illinois state average of 80. As a major city with a population of 149,785, Joliet offers a wide range of housing options, employment opportunities, and urban amenities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Joliet's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,237 (6% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $248,600 (18% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 2.8x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Joliet is $88,026, which is 17% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 17% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Joliet. The area sees an average annual temperature of 49.4°F, with summers averaging 71°F and winters around 26°F. Annual rainfall totals 33.8 inches spread over roughly 126 days. Cold winters mean higher heating bills, an important cost-of-living consideration.

Everyday prices in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area tend to run above the national average. Out of 6 common grocery and utility items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 5 are priced higher than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.