Cost of Living in Joliet, IL

Population 149,785 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023

Cost Index
(100 = US avg)

Page updated: April 2026 · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year

Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

The Joliet cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $249,000, rents near $1,237 a month.

Cost Overview

Housing 82

Rent 94

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Joliet

The median home value in Joliet is $248,600 — 18% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,237/month, 6% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $88,026/year is 18% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.8%, above the national average of 4.8%. Illinois's top state income tax rate is 5.0% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. Overall, Joliet has a cost of living index of 87 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 13% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value

$248,600

18% below avg

Zillow Home Value

$255,980

Zillow ZHVI

Median Rent

$1,237/mo

6% below avg

Zillow Rent

$1,558/mo

Zillow ZORI

Price-to-Rent Ratio

16.7x

Favors buying

Property Tax Rate

2.2%

Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio

$651

1 BR

$741

2 BR

$899

3 BR

$1,196

4 BR

$1,364

Owner-occupied 73.1%

Renter-occupied 26.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent

$1,237

Groceries national estimate

$400

Utilities local estimate

$88

Transportation local gas prices

$126

Estimated Total $1,851/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚

Eggs (dozen)

$0.548

🍞

White Bread (lb)

$1.912

🥩

Ground Beef (lb)

$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute

31.9 min

18% above avg

Gas Price

$3.145/gal

0% below avg

Work From Home

7.3%

Commute Mode

Drove alone

79.7%

Carpooled

9.7%

Public transit

1.6%

Walked

0.8%

Work from home

7.3%

⚡ Utilities

Electricity

$0.176/kWh

0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 5.0%

Total Sales Tax 8.7%

State rate 6.3%

Avg local rate 2.5%

Property Tax 2.2%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income

$88,026

18% above avg

Per Capita Income

$35,820

Unemployment Rate

5.8%

20% above avg

Poverty Rate

11.0%

Labor Force Participation

68.9%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 16.0%

Graduate degree 9.0%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 35.3

Male median age 34.4

Female median age 36

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 53 — Moderate

42.5%

Good air days/yr

246

Max AQI recorded

280

PM2.5 days

Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Joliet, IL?

Joliet has a cost index of 87 (100 = national average). It is 13% below the national average.

What is average rent in Joliet, IL?

The median gross rent in Joliet is $1,237 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Joliet?

The median home value in Joliet is $248,600 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Joliet?

The median household income in Joliet is $88,026 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Joliet, IL?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Joliet is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.

Is Joliet, IL affordable?

Yes, Joliet is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 87 — about 13% below the US national average of 100.

Joliet at a Glance

Population: 149,785
Median Income: $88,026
Home Value: $248,600
Median Rent: $1,237/mo
Unemployment: 5.8%
Sales Tax: 8.7%

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