Cost of Living in Joliet, IL - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,039 (excluding rent), and $2,553 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,526 (excluding rent), and $4,918 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$18.93 $18.93

$11.96 $11.96

$34.88 $34.88

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$76.4 $76.4

$51 $51

$127 $127

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$10.9 $10.9

$9.91 $9.91

$13.87 $13.87

Cappuccino

$5.17 $5.17

$3.56 $3.56

$8.13 $8.13

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.61 $2.61

$2.06 $2.06

$4.12 $4.12

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.99 $1.99

$1.49 $1.49

$2.98 $2.98

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$6.08 $6.08

$4.06 $4.06

$8.11 $8.11

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$7.09 $7.09

$5.06 $5.06

$10.13 $10.13

Milk (1 liter)

$1 $1

$0.75 $0.75

$1.43 $1.43

White Bread (500g)

$3.56 $3.56

$2.11 $2.11

$5.59 $5.59

Rice (white) (1kg)

$4.25 $4.25

$2.06 $2.06

$8.48 $8.48

Eggs

$4.05 $4.05

$1.95 $1.95

$6.82 $6.82

Local Cheese (1kg)

$12.3 $12.3

$7.02 $7.02

$22.12 $22.12

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$11.22 $11.22

$6.02 $6.02

$19.48 $19.48

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$15.31 $15.31

$9.84 $9.84

$24.06 $24.06

Apples (1kg)

$4.77 $4.77

$2.5 $2.5

$8.6 $8.6

Banana (1kg)

$1.61 $1.61

$1.11 $1.11

$4.2 $4.2

Oranges (1kg)

$4.37 $4.37

$2.26 $2.26

$9.06 $9.06

Tomato (1kg)

$4.73 $4.73

$2.21 $2.21

$8.83 $8.83

Potato (1kg)

$2.76 $2.76

$1.28 $1.28

$5.98 $5.98

Onion (1kg)

$2.8 $2.8

$1.82 $1.82

$4.38 $4.38

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.08 $2.08

$1.4 $1.4

$3.03 $3.03

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.13 $2.13

$1.19 $1.19

$3.23 $3.23

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$9.82 $9.82

$8.19 $8.19

$12.28 $12.28

Wine (Bottle)

$13.97 $13.97

$8.98 $8.98

$21.96 $21.96

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.83 $1.83

$1.75 $1.75

$2.89 $2.89

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.31 $3.31

$1.58 $1.58

$5.92 $5.92

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.98 $1.98

$1.24 $1.24

$1.98 $1.98

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.53 $3.53

$3.02 $3.02

$5.04 $5.04

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.65 $1.65

$1.57 $1.57

$2.2 $2.2

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$29.25 $29.25

$26.46 $26.46

$35.08 $35.08

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.84 $0.84

$0.74 $0.74

$0.96 $0.96

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$29.2K $29.2K

$23.4K $23.4K

$35.5K $35.5K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$25.5K $25.5K

$24.9K $24.9K

$26.9K $26.9K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$190 $190

$121 $121

$347 $347

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$52.1 $52.1

$29.57 $29.57

$98.6 $98.6

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$68.6 $68.6

$50.8 $50.8

$102 $102

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$43.63 $43.63

$17.76 $17.76

$50.7 $50.7

Cinema Ticket

$13.3 $13.3

$10.84 $10.84

$17.73 $17.73

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,304 $1,304

$1,005 $1,005

$1,856 $1,856

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$23.4K $23.4K

$16.8K $16.8K

$27.2K $27.2K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$51 $51

$30.01 $30.01

$80 $80

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$39.24 $39.24

$24.52 $24.52

$63.8 $63.8

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$86.2 $86.2

$59.7 $59.7

$129 $129

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$111 $111

$63.3 $63.3

$198 $198

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,599 $1,599

$1,198 $1,198

$1,854 $1,854

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,344 $1,344

$993 $993

$1,490 $1,490

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,596 $2,596

$1,974 $1,974

$2,961 $2,961

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,221 $2,221

$1,699 $1,699

$2,498 $2,498

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,765 $2,765

$1,961 $1,961

$2,765 $2,765

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,404 $2,404

$1,853 $1,853

$2,404 $2,404

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.51

6.19

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: November 30, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Joliet, IL - Frequently Asked Questions

Compared with larger metros, Joliet offers a calmer pace with solid value for everyday needs. Housing tends to be more approachable than urban cores, while dining and entertainment options cover a wide range without the prices of bigger cities. Utilities, healthcare access, and services tend to follow a moderate trajectory, making budgeting more predictable for short- to mid-term stays. The real value comes from proximity to Chicago without the daily downtown premium, plus easy access to highways and rail. Cost of Living in Joliet, IL, United States is generally favorable for those prioritizing balance and flexibility. Tip: Opt for longer stays in neighborhoods with transit access to maximize savings.

Daily life in Joliet blends practical choices with a bit of small-city charm. You’ll find a mix of rental apartments, older homes, and newer complexes in walkable pockets near the river or downtown, with quieter options farther away. Food choices span casual eateries, family-friendly spots, and markets with seasonal produce. Transport includes Metra connections to Chicago, local buses, and bike-friendly streets; many errands can be done on foot or a short drive. Co-working spaces and cafés support remote work, while family amenities, parks, and libraries add seasonality-friendly activities. Joliet, IL, United States living cost remains approachable for flexible schedules. Tip: Map a core neighborhood for daily needs and test a few nearby options for price and vibe.

Quality of life in Joliet blends accessible nature, a historic downtown, and convenient ties to Chicago. A practical budgeting approach focuses on core categories: housing, groceries, transport, and utilities, then adjusts with the seasons – heavier heating in winter, lighter cooling in summer. Save by cooking at home, shopping at markets, and choosing a neighborhood that fits your routine, whether near transit, parks, or family-friendly amenities. Test different areas for commute times and noise levels, and balance daily friction with longer-term growth opportunities in tech, freelancing, or remote work. Tip: Build a simple monthly framework and revisit it after a couple of months to sharpen priorities.