Evanston, IL vs. Joliet, IL: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Considering a move to the Chicago suburbs in 2025? Let’s compare the cost of living in Evanston vs Joliet to see which city fits your lifestyle and budget:
- 🏘️ Median home price: $450,000 in Evanston, $275,000 in Joliet
- ⚡ Average utility bill: $180/month in Evanston, $150/month in Joliet
- 🥑 Groceries for family of 4: $1,100/month in Evanston, $950/month in Joliet
- 🚗 Average commute: 35 minutes in Evanston, 30 minutes in Joliet
For a deeper dive, let’s break down the major cost of living factors to consider when choosing between Evanston and Joliet.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is typically the biggest expense for most households. Here’s how Evanston and Joliet compare for common housing options:
| Housing Type | Evanston | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Monthly Rent) | $2,400 | $1,600 |
| 3BR House (Median Price) | $450,000 | $275,000 |
🏆 Winner: Joliet. Housing costs are significantly lower in Joliet compared to Evanston. Homebuyers can expect to pay around $175,000 less for a typical 3 bedroom house in Joliet.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities, but Joliet has a slight edge. The average monthly utility bill for a 1,000 sq ft apartment is around $180 in Evanston compared to $150 in Joliet.
Both cities experience cold winters and hot summers, so expect higher heating and cooling costs than more temperate regions. Taking advantage of off-peak electricity plans can help manage summer AC bills.
🏆 Winner: Joliet. Utility costs are around 15% lower on average in Joliet vs Evanston.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs and everyday expenses like dining out are very comparable between Evanston and Joliet. Expect to budget around $1,100 per month for groceries for a family of four in Evanston, while the same groceries will cost closer to $950 in Joliet.
Restaurant prices are nearly identical, with an average dinner for two ranging from $50-80 in both cities. However, Evanston has a wider variety of high-end dining options that can drive up costs for foodies.
🏆 Winner: Joliet. Groceries and daily expenses are around 10-15% cheaper in Joliet compared to Evanston.
4. Taxes and Fees
Illinois has the second highest property taxes in the nation, and the Chicago suburbs are no exception. Effective property tax rates are actually slightly higher in Joliet at 2.81% compared to Evanston’s 2.20%.
However, the median home price in Joliet is significantly lower, resulting in a lower annual property tax bill overall. For a $275K house in Joliet, expect to pay around $7,700 per year in property taxes vs. $9,900 for a $450K house in Evanston.
Other taxes and fees are comparable, although Evanston has higher parking costs and permit fees. Some Evanston neighborhoods also have HOA fees to factor in, which often include services like landscaping, snow removal, and trash collection.
🏆 Winner: Evanston. While property tax rates are higher in Joliet, the lower home prices still result in a lower total tax bill for most households. Evanston also has more services included in the tax base.
5. Cost Summary
| Category | Evanston | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR House) | $3,000 | $1,800 |
| Utilities | $180 | $150 |
| Groceries | $1,100 | $950 |
| Transportation | $100 | $80 |
| Taxes (Property) | $825 | $640 |
| Miscellaneous | $500 | $400 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $5,705 | $4,020 |
Note: The figures above are estimates for a household with a gross monthly income around $8,500 (pre-tax). Your actual costs may vary. See our Monthly Budget Examples for Evanston Residents for more detailed breakdowns.
6. Lifestyle Fit
While Joliet is more affordable overall, Evanston offers a few key lifestyle advantages:
- Closer proximity to downtown Chicago and Lake Michigan
- More walkable neighborhoods and public transit options
- Slightly lower crime rates and better-rated public schools
However, Joliet’s lower cost of living means:
- More space and square footage for your budget
- Lower population density and more small-town feel
- Easier and cheaper parking
Quick Fact: Evanston is about 5°F cooler than Joliet during summer months due to the moderating effect of Lake Michigan.
7. FAQ
Q: Is Evanston more affordable than Joliet?
A: No, Joliet is more affordable than Evanston overall. Housing, groceries, and utilities are all cheaper in Joliet.
Q: Which city has lower rent prices?
A: Joliet has significantly lower rent prices. A typical 2BR apartment rents for around $1,600/month in Joliet compared to $2,400/month in Evanston.
Q: Where is it cheaper to buy a house – Evanston or Joliet?
A: Joliet offers much lower home prices. The median price for a 3BR house is around $275,000 in Joliet vs $450,000 in Evanston.
Q: How do utility and energy costs compare?
A: Utility costs are slightly lower in Joliet, around 15% less than Evanston on average. Both cities have cold winters and hot summers, so heating and cooling costs are the biggest factors.
8. Conclusion
While Evanston has the advantage of being closer to Chicago with more transit options and walkable neighborhoods, Joliet offers a significantly lower cost of living. Housing costs are the biggest difference, with home prices and rents being 30-40% lower in Joliet.
For families looking to stretch their budget while still living in the Chicago suburbs, Joliet is the more affordable option. However, those willing to pay a bit more for Evanston’s lakefront proximity and easier access to downtown Chicago may find the extra cost worthwhile.
Considering other Chicago suburbs? Check out our Cost of Living in Evanston (2025 Guide) for more comparisons and insights.