How Much Does It Cost to Live in Joliet, IL, as a Renter?

Are you thinking about moving to Joliet, IL? Relocating to a new city means navigating unfamiliar neighborhoods, exploring apartment options, and determining whether the area fits your budget. Before signing a lease, one of the most important factors to consider is the actual cost of living, especially since suburban Chicago is currently the second hottest rental market in the nation.

Knowing what to expect in terms of everyday expenses — like rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare — can make your move much easier. Whatever the reason for your move, comparing the average cost of living in Joliet to other cities in Illinois and across the U.S. will help you make a smart financial decision. Let’s take a closer look at what life in this Chicago suburb might cost you as a renter.

What is the average cost of living in Joliet, IL?

The good news is that Joliet offers a more affordable lifestyle than many other cities in the state. For renters, that means you can enjoy quick trips to Chicago while paying less for daily necessities and housing. That’s why the city has seen increased interest from those who want the benefits of suburban living without the high costs typically found in major cities.

At the same time, food and basic goods cost less here, too, making it easier to stretch your dollar. However, healthcare is 4% more expensive than the national average, and transportation costs are also a bit higher. Still, for most renters, the savings in housing and everyday items help balance things out.

Breaking down the cost of living in Joliet, IL

To better understand the overall cost of living in Joliet, it’s helpful to examine specific expense categories using RentCafe.com’s Cost of Living Calculator, which uses data from the Council for Community and Economic Research. From rent and groceries to transportation and entertainment, here’s how Joliet compares to the rest of the state and country in 2025:

Housing (buying and renting):

• Average monthly rent: $1,339
• Average home price: $367,002
• Mortgage rate: 7.2%

Utilities:

• Energy bill (monthly average): $184.21
• Phone bill (monthly average): $200.43

Food:

• Milk (1 gallon): $4.77
• Eggs (dozen): $3.28
• Bread: $3.70
• Potatoes: $4.32
• Cheese: $4.50
• Ground beef: $6.98

Healthcare:

• Doctor’s visit: $163.33
• Dentist visit: $115.00
• Optometrist visit: $113.90

Transportation:

• Gasoline (per gallon): $3.66
• Tire balancing service: $65.17

Goods & Services:

• Men’s shirt: $39.39
• Women’s slacks: $39.57
• Boy’s jeans: $32.75
• Haircut: $37.31
• Beauty salon visit: $60.33
• Dry cleaning: $18.65
• Movie ticket: $13.71

Is Joliet a good choice for renters?

For renters searching for a place that combines affordability with access to urban amenities, Joliet is worth considering. The average cost of living in Joliet is lower than both the Illinois and U.S. averages in almost every area, particularly in daily essentials like housing, food, and utilities. This can make a big difference for individuals and families who want to make the most of their income without sacrificing convenience or quality of life.

While some categories like healthcare and transportation may be slightly more expensive, the overall savings more than make up for it. If you’re comparing cities across the state, you’ll find the cost of living in Joliet offers real value. Now might be the perfect time to start your search for apartments in Joliet and see if it’s the right fit for your next move.

If you’re interested in relocating to urban areas, browse our cost of living guides for Las Vegas, Cleveland, Phoenix, and San Francisco.