A
2%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
9%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Joliet Illinois National
Cost of living10298100
Groceries99100100
Health care97100100
Housing10995100
Transportation100101100
Utilities10199100
Lifestyle & Entertainment99100100
Household Items98100100
Education & Childcare106100100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Joliet, IL

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Joliet? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Joliet stands at 102, making it 2% higher than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

Everyday expenditures like food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care in Joliet are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Joliet can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.

Is Joliet Affordable?

Wondering if Joliet is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Joliet, for example, the median home price is 7.4% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 11.7% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Joliet boasting a median household income of $110,204, which is 35.5% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Joliet?

Healthcare: The costs associated with healthcare and insurance premiums can exhibit notable disparities based on the city or state of residence. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for medical appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs and specialized medical care expenses all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Joliet, healthcare costs are 2.8% lower than the national average.

Groceries: Grocery prices have seen substantial hikes in the last 2-3 years, with some markets witnessing food cost increases of over 20% during this period. Conversely, certain markets have experienced only moderate upticks. These variations in food expenses can have a substantial impact on the overall cost of living in any locality. In Joliet, the groceries index is 1.1% lower than the national average.

Utilities: Like everything else, utilities costs can range significantly depending on factors like climate, energy sources available, location and even state regulations. Things like electricity, water, heating and waste disposal costs can be higher or lower, depending on the city or state. The utilities index in Joliet comes in at 0.9% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Joliet cost of living estimates above use a normalized U.S. average of 100 as the baseline for comparison. Housing values incorporate local home price and rental information from the U.S. Census, while all other estimates are AI-assisted and modeled using expected everyday expenses, local market trends, climate, and transportation-related cost pressures. The results are intended for practical city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Joliet is 4% higher than the Illinois average
  • The cost of living in Joliet is 2% higher than the national average
  • Joliet housing is 9% higher than the national average
  • Illinois general sales tax is 22% higher than the national average
  • Illinois state income tax is 91% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Joliet

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Compare Joliet, IL Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$137,745$11,479$3,214$4,133
      Renters$56,639$4,720$1,321$1,699
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Joliet is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. Joliet has a median income of about $137,745 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $3,214 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $56,639. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $1,321 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      Illinois Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      Illinois 6.25% 10.25%

      Illinois Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      Illinois 4.95% 4.95%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Wilmington village, IL1507921.3%
      Preston Heights, IL2,583927.8%
      Ingalls Park, IL3,100927.6%
      Fairmont, IL2,777946.0%
      Symerton, IL74946.0%
      Joliet, IL152,1371022.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Bellevue, WA151,975203103.2%
      Naperville, IL151,58213332.6%
      Killeen, TX152,944946.1%
      Rockford, IL151,1698713.5%
      Escondido, CA153,94115049.9%
      Joliet, IL152,1371022.4%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.