Joliet, IL vs. Aurora, IL: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Joliet vs Aurora. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Joliet vs Aurora in 2025.
Housing Costs
Housing is typically the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how Joliet and Aurora stack up for common housing options:
| Housing Type | Joliet | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,250 | $1,400 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $225,000 | $275,000 |
🏆 Winner: Joliet
Joliet offers more affordable housing options, with lower median rents and home prices compared to Aurora. A household moving from Aurora to Joliet might save $150-200 per month on housing costs alone.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are another important factor in monthly budgets. In Joliet and Aurora, expect the following average monthly utility costs for a 2BR apartment:
- Electricity: $90-120
- Gas: $40-60
- Water/Sewer/Trash: $60-80
- Internet: $50-70
Both cities experience cold winters and mild summers. Heating bills will be higher November through March. Joliet and Aurora both offer budget billing programs to help even out seasonal spikes.
🏆 Winner: Tie
Utility costs are very similar between Joliet and Aurora. Choosing energy-efficient appliances and taking advantage of off-peak hours can help manage bills in either city.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Groceries, dining out, and everyday purchases are the next biggest chunk of most household budgets. Here’s how Joliet and Aurora compare:
- Groceries are about 5% cheaper in Joliet based on a standard market basket of goods
- Both cities have a good mix of local markets, specialty stores, and larger chains
- Dining out costs $5-10 less per meal on average in Joliet
- Common goods and services (haircuts, oil changes, etc.) run about the same
🏆 Winner: Joliet
While the difference isn’t huge, Joliet does offer some savings on groceries and restaurants compared to Aurora. Cooking at home and seeking out daily deals can help trim food costs in either city.
Taxes and Fees
Don’t overlook taxes and city fees when comparing cost of living. Key differences between Joliet and Aurora:
- Property tax rates are slightly lower in Joliet (2.5% vs 2.7% in Aurora)
- Aurora charges a 0.25% city sales tax on top of state/county rates; Joliet does not
- Vehicle stickers are required in both cities ($25-40 annually)
- HOA fees in Joliet often include landscaping and trash; in Aurora they typically only cover common area maintenance
🏆 Winner: Joliet
With lower property taxes and no extra city sales tax, Joliet gets the edge on taxes and fees. But it’s worth double checking HOA fees and inclusions if buying a home, as they can vary significantly by neighborhood in both cities.
Cost of Living Comparison Summary
To sum it all up, here’s a side-by-side comparison of the major monthly costs in Joliet vs Aurora. Note: All figures are based on gross monthly income (pre-tax).
| Cost Category | Joliet | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (2BR Rent) | $1,250 | $1,400 |
| Utilities | $250 | $250 |
| Groceries | $400 | $425 |
| Transportation | $300 | $275 |
| Taxes (% of Income) | 4.5% | 5% |
| Miscellaneous | $250 | $250 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $2,450 | $2,600 |
Lifestyle Fit
Cost is just one factor in choosing between Joliet and Aurora. Also consider:
- Joliet has a bit more space and a small-town feel, while Aurora offers more density and walkability
- Aurora has more public transportation options with Metra trains to Chicago
- Both cities are family-friendly with good schools and parks
- Joliet is slightly warmer year-round; Aurora gets a bit more snow
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Joliet more affordable than Aurora?
Yes, Joliet has a lower overall cost of living, primarily due to cheaper housing, lower taxes, and slightly lower food and dining costs.
Which city has lower rent?
Joliet has lower median rents, averaging about $150 less per month for a 2BR apartment compared to Aurora.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Median home prices are about $50,000 lower in Joliet than Aurora. Joliet also has slightly lower property tax rates.
Conclusion
While both great Chicago suburbs, Joliet offers a lower cost of living than Aurora across most major categories like housing, food, and taxes. Budget-conscious households, retirees, and those seeking a bit more space may prefer Joliet. Young professionals who value density and transit access might favor Aurora despite the slightly higher costs.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on your specific budget, lifestyle, and preferences. Check out our other cost of living breakdowns and monthly budget examples for Joliet to help with your decision. Our full cost of living guide for Joliet dives deeper into each category as well.