Joliet, IL vs. Bolingbrook, IL: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Relocating families could save over $500 per month on housing alone by choosing Joliet over Bolingbrook. This article provides a detailed cost of living comparison: Joliet vs Bolingbrook. It’s perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Joliet vs Bolingbrook in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is typically the biggest factor in cost of living differences. Here’s how Joliet and Bolingbrook stack up:
| Housing Type | Joliet | Bolingbrook |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,250 | $1,550 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $225,000 | $315,000 |
🏆 Winner: Joliet
Joliet offers significantly lower housing costs across the board. Renters can expect to pay around $300 less per month for a comparable apartment, while homebuyers could save $90,000 on a typical 3-bedroom home purchase in Joliet vs Bolingbrook.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities, but Joliet has a slight edge:
- Joliet: Expect around $180/month for a 1,000 sq ft apartment
- Bolingbrook: Budget closer to $200/month for the same sized unit
Both cities experience cold winters and hot summers, so heating and cooling needs are comparable. Joliet and Bolingbrook offer optional off-peak electricity plans that can help lower bills.
🏆 Winner: Joliet
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery costs are nearly identical in Joliet and Bolingbrook. Expect to budget around $400 per adult per month for groceries and household essentials in either city.
Restaurant prices are also comparable, with a typical fast casual meal costing about $12-15 per person. However, Joliet has a few more discount grocery options which can help trim food budgets.
🏆 Winner: Tie
4. Taxes and Fees
Illinois has a flat income tax rate of 4.95%, so there’s no difference between Joliet and Bolingbrook. However, some other taxes and fees vary:
- Property Taxes: Joliet’s property tax rate is about 0.5% lower than Bolingbrook’s 2.5% average.
- Sales Tax: Joliet (8.25%) and Bolingbrook (8.5%) have similar sales tax rates.
- Vehicle Stickers: Bolingbrook charges $30-50 annually while Joliet has no fee.
🏆 Winner: Joliet
5. Cost Summary Table
| Category | Joliet | Bolingbrook |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR home) | $1,500 | $2,100 |
| Utilities | $180 | $200 |
| Groceries (per adult) | $400 | $400 |
| Transportation | $60 | $80 |
| Taxes (property) | $375 | $525 |
| Misc Expenses | $500 | $500 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3,015 | $3,805 |
These figures reflect estimated monthly costs for a family of three in a 3-bedroom home. All income figures are expressed in gross monthly income (pre-tax).
As the table shows, a typical household could save around $800 per month by choosing to live in Joliet over Bolingbrook. Housing accounts for the biggest difference, but lower taxes and fees also contribute.
6. Lifestyle Fit
While Joliet is more affordable, Bolingbrook offers some quality of life advantages:
- Bolingbrook has more public transportation options, making it easier to get around without a car.
- Joliet tends to be slightly noisier due to train and industrial traffic.
- Bolingbrook averages 5°F cooler than Joliet in July.
However, many people find Joliet’s walkable downtown, historic architecture, and riverfront recreation worth the tradeoff. It ultimately depends on your family’s priorities.
7. FAQ
Is Joliet more affordable than Bolingbrook?
Yes, Joliet is about 20% cheaper than Bolingbrook overall. The biggest savings are in housing, taxes, and fees.
Which city has lower rent?
Joliet has significantly lower rent prices. A typical 2-bedroom apartment costs $300 less per month compared to Bolingbrook.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Joliet home prices are much lower. Buyers can expect to spend $90,000 less on a comparable 3-bedroom house in Joliet vs Bolingbrook.
8. Conclusion
Joliet offers a significantly lower cost of living than Bolingbrook, especially for those looking to buy a home. Renters, families with children, and retirees on a fixed income may find Joliet’s affordability particularly appealing.
However, Bolingbrook’s extra amenities, milder summers, and transit options may be worth the added cost for some households. As with any move, it’s important to weigh your specific needs and budget.
Want to see how your budget would fare in Joliet? Check out these Monthly Budget Examples for Joliet Residents. You can also get a bigger picture financial breakdown in our Cost of Living in Joliet (2025 Guide).