Des Plaines, IL vs. Joliet, IL: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Imagine two families, the Garcias and the Patels, considering a move to the Chicago suburbs. The Garcias, eyeing a 2-bedroom apartment in Des Plaines, note the $1,600 average rent. Meanwhile, the Patels spot a similar unit in Joliet for $1,250. Groceries tell another story: the Garcias’ weekly Des Plaines grocery run totals $140, while the Patels pay closer to $130 in Joliet.
Deciding between Des Plaines and Joliet involves weighing costs like these across multiple categories. This article provides a comprehensive cost of living comparison to help families, professionals, and renters choose the Chicago suburb that best fits their budget in 2025. We’ll dive into housing, utilities, groceries, and other key living expenses. All income figures are expressed in gross monthly amounts (pre-tax).
Housing Costs: Des Plaines vs Joliet
Housing is often the biggest line item in a household budget. Here’s how typical rental and purchase prices compare between Des Plaines and Joliet:
| Housing Type | Des Plaines | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,600 | $1,250 |
| Median 3BR House Price | $350,000 | $225,000 |
🏆 Winner: Joliet. Housing costs, both for renting and buying, tend to be significantly lower in Joliet compared to Des Plaines.
For a deeper look at Des Plaines’ housing picture, check out our full guide on the cost of living in Des Plaines, IL.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are another important consideration. Both cities experience cold winters and hot summers, meaning higher heating and cooling costs than more temperate climates. Expect to budget around $200-250 per month for a typical apartment in either Des Plaines or Joliet.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Utility costs are quite comparable between the two cities, with minor differences depending on your exact usage and home size.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery prices in Des Plaines tend to be about 5-10% higher than in Joliet, though this varies by store and item. Assuming a weekly grocery spend of $140 for a family in Des Plaines, an equivalent shop in Joliet might cost closer to $130.
Restaurant prices follow a similar pattern, with Des Plaines eateries often charging a few dollars more per entree than comparable spots in Joliet.
🏆 Winner: Joliet, but only slightly. Everyday expenses are a bit lower than in Des Plaines.
Taxes and Fees
Illinois has the second-highest property taxes in the U.S. Des Plaines’ effective property tax rate is 2.39%, while Joliet’s is 2.81%.
For a $350,000 home in Des Plaines, annual property taxes would be around $8,365. In Joliet, a $225,000 house would incur about $6,323 in property taxes per year.
🏆 Winner: Des Plaines. While Joliet’s property tax rate is higher, the lower home prices still result in a smaller overall tax bill for many homeowners.
Cost of Living Summary
| Category | Des Plaines | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (2BR Rent) | $1,600 | $1,250 |
| Utilities | $225 | $215 |
| Groceries | $600 | $560 |
| Transportation | $75 | $60 |
| Taxes (Property) | $700 | $525 |
| Miscellaneous | $400 | $350 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3,600 | $2,960 |
Lifestyle Fit: Des Plaines or Joliet?
Cost is just one factor in choosing between Des Plaines and Joliet. Consider how each city’s characteristics align with your lifestyle:
- Des Plaines is closer to O’Hare Airport and downtown Chicago. It has a more suburban feel and highly-rated schools.
- Joliet offers more affordable housing, larger properties, and a small-town atmosphere. However, commutes to the city are longer.
Des Plaines averages about 5°F cooler than Joliet during summer highs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Des Plaines more expensive than Joliet?
Yes, the cost of living in Des Plaines is generally higher than Joliet, particularly for housing.
Which city has cheaper rent, Des Plaines or Joliet?
Joliet has lower rental prices. A typical 2BR apartment costs $1,250 per month in Joliet compared to $1,600 in Des Plaines.
Is it cheaper to buy a house in Joliet or Des Plaines?
Joliet has lower median home prices. A typical 3BR house costs around $225,000 in Joliet versus $350,000 in Des Plaines.
Conclusion
While Des Plaines and Joliet share some similarities, their differences in cost of living are notable. Joliet offers lower housing, grocery, and transportation costs, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious households. However, Des Plaines’ proximity to Chicago, strong school system, and suburban comforts justify the higher expenses for many families and professionals.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on your specific needs, priorities, and lifestyle. Regardless of which city you choose, planning ahead and hiring a reputable moving company will help make your Chicagoland relocation a success. Be sure to check out our other cost of living comparisons for cities throughout Illinois.