Housing Costs in Joliet

Housing is typically the biggest expense for most households in Joliet. The median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in the city is around $1,250 per month as of 2023. For those looking to purchase a home, the typical mortgage payment on a 3-bedroom house falls in the range of $1,400 to $1,800 monthly, depending on the neighborhood and age of the property.

Homeowners association (HOA) fees are relatively common in Joliet’s newer subdivisions and condo communities. These can add anywhere from $150 to $350+ to the monthly housing budget. Older neighborhoods tend to have lower or no HOA dues.

• Median 2BR apartment rent: $1,250
• Typical 3BR house mortgage: $1,400 – $1,800
• HOA fees: $0 – $350+

Utilities and Energy Bills

Utility costs in Joliet are fairly typical for the Chicagoland area. Expect to budget around $120 per month for electricity for a 1,000 square foot home, with seasonal spikes in the summer months due to air conditioning. Natural gas for heating and cooking averages $80 monthly. Water, sewer, and trash pickup combined usually fall in the $60 to $90 range.

Internet and cable packages start around $70 per month for basic service. Many residents opt for streaming services like Netflix or Hulu instead of traditional cable, which can help keep entertainment costs down.

Utility	Typical Monthly Cost
Electricity	$120
Natural gas	$80
Water, sewer, trash	$60 – $90
Internet	$70+

Groceries and Daily Expenses

Food costs in Joliet are on par with the national average. Plan on spending about $300 to $400 per month per person for groceries, depending on your diet and shopping habits. A gallon of milk runs $3.50, while a dozen eggs cost around $2.20.

Dining out will add to the monthly food budget. A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant averages $50, before tax and tip. Fast food combo meals are typically $8 to $12. Many residents balance cooking at home with eating out to keep costs reasonable.

In addition to food, factor in costs for household supplies, toiletries, and other daily essentials. Depending on family size, these usually total $150 to $300 per month.

Taxes and Fees

Joliet’s property tax rate stands at 2.81% as of 2023, which is higher than the national average but fairly typical for Illinois. For a home valued at $200,000, annual property taxes would be approximately $5,620.

Sales tax in the city is 8.25%, consisting of 6.25% state tax and 2% local tax. Vehicle registration fees are $151 annually. Trash and recycling pickup is often included in city utility bills, but some neighborhoods have private waste contracts, which can add $20 to $40 per month.

Tax or Fee	Rate
Property tax	2.81%
Sales tax	8.25%
Vehicle registration	$151 per year

Monthly Budget Summary

So what does it really cost to live in Joliet? Here’s a sample monthly budget breakdown for a couple and a family of four, based on average expenses:

Expense	Couple	Family of 4
Housing (rent/mortgage)	$1,400	$1,800
Utilities	$270	$380
Groceries	$600	$1,100
Transportation (gas, car payment)	$500	$800
Health insurance	$500	$1,200
Dining out, entertainment	$400	$500
Misc. expenses, savings	$600	$800
Monthly Total (Gross)	$4,270	$6,580

Keep in mind these figures are based on gross monthly income, before taxes are deducted. To live comfortably, a couple would need to earn around $51,000 per year, while a family of four would need about $79,000.

Lifestyle Considerations

Joliet offers a mix of older neighborhoods and newer subdivisions, giving residents options at various price points. Homes built in the 1950s-1970s tend to be the most affordable, while properties constructed in the 1990s and later often come with higher price tags but more modern amenities.

Many people are drawn to Joliet for its proximity to Chicago, which is just 45 miles away. However, commute times can easily stretch to an hour or more each way due to traffic. Those working locally may have much shorter drives.

Joliet has over 1,000 acres of parks and green spaces, providing ample room for recreation. The city is also home to the Chicagoland Speedway and Route 66 Raceway for NASCAR and drag racing fans. Shopping and dining options abound at Louis Joliet Mall and surrounding retail centers.

While the cost of living in Joliet is lower than Chicago proper, it’s slightly higher than in nearby cities like Plainfield and Romeoville. The tradeoff is more established neighborhoods, a historic downtown district, and convenient access to I-55 and I-80.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What salary do you need to live in Joliet?

  To live comfortably, a couple would need a combined gross income of about $51,000 per year. For a family of four, aim for $79,000 or more.

• Is Joliet cheaper than Chicago?

  Yes, the cost of living in Joliet is significantly lower than in Chicago, particularly when it comes to housing. However, Joliet is slightly more expensive than some surrounding suburbs.

• What are property taxes like in Joliet?

  The property tax rate in Joliet is 2.81% as of 2023. On a $200,000 home, that equates to $5,620 per year.

• How much do utilities cost per month in Joliet?

  For a typical household, budget $270 to $380 per month for utilities like electricity, natural gas, water, sewer, and trash service.

• What’s the average rent in Joliet?

  As of 2023, the median rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Joliet is around $1,250 per month. Prices can vary based on location, size, and amenities.