Joliet vs Chicago: Cost of Living Comparison

Moving from Chicago to Joliet can mean significant savings, especially on housing. A family that's been renting a two-bedroom apartment in Logan Square or paying a mortgage in Bridgeport might find that the same money buys a three-bedroom house with a yard and a two-car garage in Joliet. But the math isn't quite that simple. Higher property taxes in Will County and the cost of commuting add real nuance to the equation.

Here's a straightforward breakdown of where you'll save, where you won't, and what the numbers actually look like.

Housing Costs

This is where the gap hits hardest. The median home price in Joliet hovers around $240,000, compared to $350,000 or more in Chicago proper. That $100K difference translates to noticeably lower mortgage payments, smaller down payment requirements, and less financial stress month to month.

Renters see savings too. A two-bedroom apartment in Joliet typically runs $1,200 to $1,500 per month. In Chicago, that same layout in a halfway decent neighborhood easily costs $1,800 to $2,400. You also get more square footage per dollar in Joliet. Newer construction on the west side of town offers open floor plans, attached garages, and modern finishes at prices that would barely cover a small condo in Wicker Park.

For families who need space, the difference is hard to ignore.

Property Taxes

Here's where Chicago claws back some of that housing advantage. Will County's effective property tax rate sits around 2.62%, compared to roughly 2.10% in Cook County. On a $240,000 Joliet home, you'd pay approximately $6,300 per year in property taxes. A $350,000 home in Chicago would carry about $7,350 in taxes, so the dollar amount may be lower in Joliet, but the rate itself is steeper.

If you buy a more expensive home in Joliet's nicer subdivisions, say in the $350K-$400K range, those tax bills climb past $9,000 annually. Factor this into your budget from day one. For a deeper look at how these rates work, check our Will County property tax guide.

Groceries and Everyday Expenses

Day-to-day spending is roughly similar between the two cities, with Joliet running slightly cheaper across the board. Groceries cost about 3-5% less. A gallon of milk, a dozen eggs, a bag of apples — none of these will shock you either way.

Where you'll notice a difference is dining out. Chicago's restaurant scene is world-class, which also means expensive. A dinner for two at a mid-range Chicago restaurant might run $80-$120. Joliet has fewer options, but the restaurant scene is growing, particularly along the downtown corridor and near Louis Joliet Mall. A comparable meal here runs $50-$80. You won't find the same variety, but your wallet will thank you on a Tuesday night when you just want tacos and a beer.

Transportation and Commuting

This is the trade-off most people underestimate. If you work in downtown Chicago, your commute from Joliet will run 45 to 75 minutes each way depending on traffic and your mode of transport. A Metra monthly pass costs $175 to $200, which is predictable and lets you read or work on the train. Driving I-55 during rush hour is another story — gas runs around $200-$250 per month, plus tolls if you use I-355.

In Chicago, many households get by with one car or none at all. Public transit, ride-shares, and walkable neighborhoods make it possible. In Joliet, most households own two or more vehicles. Insurance, maintenance, and gas for a second car add $4,000 to $6,000 annually. That's real money that partially offsets the housing savings.

On the flip side, you'll never pay $30 for parking at your own apartment. That counts for something.

Income and Salary Considerations

Illinois charges a flat state income tax of 4.95% regardless of where you live. Neither Chicago nor Joliet levies a separate city income tax, so your paycheck looks the same on that front. The meaningful difference shows up in median household income. Will County households earn around $107,000 per year, compared to roughly $72,000 in Cook County. That higher figure reflects the suburban demographic — dual-income professional families tend to cluster in communities like Joliet, Plainfield, and Bolingbrook.

Remote workers and hybrid commuters benefit most from the Joliet cost structure. If your salary stays at Chicago levels while your expenses drop to Will County levels, the math works out strongly in your favor.

Quality of Life Trade-offs

More space, a yard, quieter streets, and access to strong suburban schools — that's the Joliet pitch, and it's genuine. Families with young kids often find the shift from a cramped city apartment to a house with a backyard transformative. School districts in the surrounding Will County communities regularly outperform Chicago Public Schools on standardized metrics.

What you give up is walkability, cultural density, and spontaneity. Need a gallon of milk at 10 PM? You're driving. Want to catch a comedy show or try a new Ethiopian restaurant? That's probably a trip back into the city. Joliet has solid parks, a growing downtown, and the Rialto Square Theatre, but it doesn't pretend to compete with Chicago's cultural infrastructure.

You'll also need a car for nearly every errand. The bus system exists but isn't practical for daily life the way the CTA is in Chicago.

Bottom Line

Joliet is roughly 15-25% cheaper than Chicago when you look at the full picture. Housing accounts for most of those savings — you'll spend significantly less on a home or apartment that gives you more room. Property taxes and commuting costs chip away at the gap, but for most families, the net savings are still substantial.

The decision comes down to what you value. If walkability, nightlife, and cultural access define your daily life, Chicago might be worth the premium. If you want a bigger home, good schools, and some breathing room in your monthly budget, Joliet and the surrounding Will County communities deliver.