Last updated 2026-07-10 ยท MovePlan Editorial Team
Below the national average overall, with housing the main reason Joliet stays affordable.
Cost of living index (US avg = 100): 94
Median 2BR rent: $1,350/mo
Housing: 84 vs 100
Groceries: 100 vs 100
Utilities: 103 vs 100
Transportation: 101 vs 100
Healthcare: 98 vs 100
Joliet offers four real seasons with cold winters and an affordable place to land in Illinois. Housing is the line item that moves your budget most, anchored here to a real median 2BR rent of about $1,350/mo.