Cost of Living in Will County
Will County offers significant savings compared to Chicago and Cook County suburbs. Get the complete breakdown of what to expect when budgeting for life in Will County.
The Bottom Line
Will County's cost of living is approximately 8-12% lower than the Chicago metro average, with housing being the biggest savings driver. A family earning $85,000 can live comfortably while building equity in a home.
Will County vs. Chicago Metro
Transportation costs are slightly higher due to car dependency, but overall savings are significant.
Housing Costs
The biggest financial advantage of living in Will County
Buying a Home
- Joliet: $180,000 - $250,000
- Romeoville: $250,000 - $320,000
- Plainfield: $320,000 - $380,000
- Mokena: $350,000 - $420,000
- Frankfort: $400,000 - $550,000
Compare: Cook County median is $350,000+
Renting
- 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,100 - $1,400
- 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,300 - $1,700
- 3-Bedroom House: $1,600 - $2,200
- Townhome: $1,400 - $1,900
Compare: Chicago 2BR average is $1,900+
Property Taxes
Property tax rates vary by municipality and school district. A $300,000 home typically pays $6,600 - $8,400 annually in property taxes.
Complete Property Tax Guide →Monthly Budget Breakdown
Typical expenses for a family of four in Will County
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (Mortgage) | $1,800 - $2,400 | $21,600 - $28,800 | Based on $300k home, 20% down |
| Property Taxes | $550 - $700 | $6,600 - $8,400 | Included in escrow for most |
| Utilities | $250 - $350 | $3,000 - $4,200 | Electric, gas, water, trash |
| Groceries | $800 - $1,000 | $9,600 - $12,000 | Family of 4 |
| Transportation | $600 - $900 | $7,200 - $10,800 | 2 cars, gas, insurance, maintenance |
| Healthcare | $400 - $600 | $4,800 - $7,200 | Insurance premiums + out-of-pocket |
| Childcare (if applicable) | $800 - $1,500 | $9,600 - $18,000 | Per child, varies by age |
| Internet/Phone | $150 - $200 | $1,800 - $2,400 | High-speed internet + cell plans |
| Total (without childcare) | $4,550 - $6,150 | $54,600 - $73,800 |
Income Needed
Based on the 28% housing rule, a household income of $75,000 - $100,000 provides comfortable living in Will County with room for savings and entertainment. The county's median household income of $85,000 aligns well with these costs.
Utility Costs
What to budget for monthly utilities
Electricity
$100 - $180/moComEd serves Will County. Higher in summer with AC. Average home uses 800-1200 kWh.
Natural Gas
$50 - $150/moNicor Gas is the main provider. Higher in winter for heating. Budget $80-200 in cold months.
Water & Sewer
$50 - $80/moMunicipal water systems. Rates vary by town. Some areas have well water.
Trash & Recycling
$25 - $40/moPrivate haulers in most areas. Some municipalities include in taxes.
Transportation Costs
Will County requires car ownership for most residents
Car Ownership
- Gas: $150-250/month (depending on commute)
- Insurance: $100-150/month per vehicle
- Maintenance: $50-100/month average
- Registration: $151/year
Most households need 2 vehicles due to limited public transit.
Metra Commuting
- Monthly Pass: $170-215 (Zone F-H)
- Parking: $0-50/month at stations
- Lines: Rock Island, Heritage Corridor, SouthWest Service
Metra can reduce costs if you work in downtown Chicago.
Tollway Costs
- I-Pass: Required for regular commuters
- I-355: $2-4 each way
- I-88: $2-5 each way
- Monthly toll budget: $80-200 for Chicago commuters
I-55 and I-80 are toll-free through most of Will County.
Groceries & Dining
Food costs in Will County
Grocery Stores
Major chains include Jewel-Osco, Mariano's, Walmart, Aldi, and Costco. Monthly grocery bill for family of 4: $800-1,000.
Dining Out
Restaurant prices are comparable to Chicago suburbs. Casual dining: $15-25/person. Fast food: $8-12. Fine dining: $40-60+.
Farmers Markets
Seasonal markets in most towns offer fresh produce at competitive prices. Popular in Joliet, Plainfield, and Lockport.
Tax Considerations
Illinois State Taxes
Illinois has a flat state income tax of 4.95%. This applies regardless of which county you live in. Will County does not have additional local income taxes.
Sales Tax
Sales tax in Will County ranges from 7.0% to 8.25% depending on municipality. Lower than Chicago's 10.25% rate.
Property Tax Exemptions
Will County offers several property tax exemptions:
- Homestead Exemption: $6,000 reduction for primary residence
- Senior Citizen Exemption: Additional $5,000 for 65+
- Senior Freeze: Freezes assessed value for qualifying seniors
- Disabled Persons Exemption: $2,000 reduction
- Veterans Exemption: Various exemptions for veterans
Annual Savings vs. Cook County
Actual savings depend on lifestyle, housing choices, and commuting patterns.
Ready to Make the Move?
Explore neighborhoods, schools, and resources to plan your relocation to Will County.