{"id":141643,"date":"2025-07-23T02:33:10","date_gmt":"2025-07-23T09:33:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/?p=141643"},"modified":"2026-02-18T23:15:30","modified_gmt":"2026-02-19T07:15:30","slug":"renters-cost-of-living-joliet-il","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rentcafe.com\/blog\/local-resources\/renters-cost-of-living-joliet-il\/","title":{"rendered":"How Much Does It Cost to Live in Joliet, IL, as a Renter?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Are you thinking about moving to Joliet, IL<\/a>? 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.<\/p>\n

Knowing what to expect in terms of everyday expenses \u2014 like rent, groceries, transportation, and healthcare \u2014 can make your move much easier. Whatever the reason for your move, comparing the average cost of living in Joliet<\/a> to other cities in Illinois<\/a> and across the U.S. will help you make a smart financial decision. Let\u2019s take a closer look at what life in this Chicago suburb might cost you as a renter.<\/p>\n

What is the average cost of living in Joliet, IL?<\/h2>\n

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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Before diving into expenses, let\u2019s look at the median income in Joliet, which stood at $88,026 as of March 2025. That\u2019s a strong figure, especially considering that the cost of living in Joliet is 14% lower than the Illinois average and 6% lower than the national average<\/strong>. That said, housing prices in Joliet are especially appealing: 35% lower than the state average and 20% lower than the national average. Similarly, utilities are lower by 3% compared to Illinois and 6% nationally.<\/div>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Breaking down the cost of living in Joliet, IL<\/h2>\n

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<\/a>, which uses data from the Council for Community and Economic Research<\/a>. From rent and groceries to transportation and entertainment, here\u2019s how Joliet compares to the rest of the state and country in 2025:<\/p>\n

Housing (buying and renting):<\/strong><\/p>\n