Data updated Nov 12, 2026
Best fit: Digital Nomad (score: 72)
Joliet sits about 7 kilometers from Chicago's Lewis University Airport (LOT) in northeastern Illinois, at an elevation of 182 meters above sea level. The city's humid continental climate brings hot, muggy summers from June through August and cold, snowy winters from December through February, with mild spring and fall transitions. The population of roughly 150,000 people lives in the America/Chicago time zone. While specific expat neighborhoods are not named in available data, the city's layout offers a range of residential options both in the center and outside it.
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Joliet, IL at the budget tier comes to about $1,718 a month for one adult, with $1,144 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $120 on groceries, $60.00 on dining out, $43.00 on entertainment and lifestyle and $351 on utilities and connectivity.
Rent
$1,144/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$120/mo
75% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$60.00/mo
4 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$43.00/mo
1 cinema trip, 8 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$351/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Joliet, IL at the mid-range tier comes to about $1,917 a month for one adult, with $1,144 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $161 on groceries, $150 on dining out, $111 on entertainment and lifestyle and $351 on utilities and connectivity.
Rent
$1,144/mo
1BR outside the centre
Groceries
$161/mo
Staples basket scaled to a full month
Dining out
$150/mo
10 inexpensive meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$111/mo
gym, 2 cinema trips, 12 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$351/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Joliet, IL at the comfortable tier comes to about $2,378 a month for one adult, with $1,367 of that going to rent. Beyond rent the estimate covers $225 on groceries, $270 on dining out, $165 on entertainment and lifestyle and $351 on utilities and connectivity.
Rent
$1,367/mo
1BR in the centre
Groceries
$225/mo
140% of mid-range grocery spend
Dining out
$270/mo
6 inexpensive meals + 6 mid-range meals
Entertainment & lifestyle
$165/mo
gym, 4 cinema trips, 20 cappuccinos
Utilities & connectivity
$351/mo
utilities, mobile, internet
Budgets (excl. rent)
Excludes rent. The total above is all-in, rent included.
Estimates for one adult, built from this city's average prices and the usage shown for each tier. Your spending will differ with how often you eat out and where you live.
A 1BR in the center runs about $1367/mo. If your income is in another currency, bank FX fees add up. A multi-currency account can cut that cost.
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See how Joliet, IL's cost of living compares with Galliano, LA
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Joliet is a moderately safe Midwestern city with a Safety Index of 65, placing it slightly above average for Illinois. Day-to-day life feels relatively normal, though nighttime walkability varies by neighborhood. Downtown and residential areas near the waterfront are generally pleasant, but like most industrial cities, some blocks warrant caution after dark. The city's reputation is better than its crime statistics suggest—it's neither a crime hotspot nor particularly dangerous.
Property crime (vehicle theft, burglary) exceeds violent crime here. Petty theft and package theft occur, especially in less-monitored areas. Avoid isolated stretches near the railroad tracks and certain south-side neighborhoods after dark. Solo female travelers should exercise standard urban precautions—use rideshare at night, stay aware in parking areas, and avoid displaying valuables. Violent crime exists but is not epidemic; most incidents cluster in specific neighborhoods rather than affecting the entire city.
Joliet is a stable American city with reliable police and no political instability. Corruption is not a concern. The city has faced economic challenges from industrial decline, which correlates with some crime, but it's actively revitalizing downtown. For Americans relocating here, it's a reasonable choice—safer than major metros like Chicago, with lower cost of living and Midwestern friendliness. Exercise normal urban judgment, and you'll find it a comfortable place to settle.
See how Joliet, IL's healthcare compares with Galliano, LA
Joliet experiences a humid continental climate with hot, muggy summers (June-August) and cold, snowy winters (December-February), with mild spring and fall transitions.
While Joliet is close to Chicago, it offers quieter suburban life with access to urban amenities.
| Name | Notes |
|---|---|
| Regus - Joliet - Essington Road | Located on Essington Road, this Regus offers a professional environment with private offices and coworking spaces. It's a reliable option for those seeking a standard office experience with good amenities. |
| WorkSuites - Naperville | While technically in Naperville, it's a short drive from Joliet and offers a more upscale coworking experience. WorkSuites provides a variety of amenities and a professional atmosphere suitable for client meetings. |
| Office Evolution Naperville | Another Naperville option, Office Evolution offers a range of coworking and private office solutions. It's a good choice for those who want a more community-focused coworking environment with networking opportunities. |
Names, locations and hours can change. Check each space's website before you visit. Places from © OpenStreetMap contributors and Foursquare Open Source Places (Apache 2.0).
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See how Joliet, IL's digital nomad life compares with Galliano, LA
Areas of Joliet, IL that expats often consider.
Conditions can change from one block to the next, and these descriptions are general guides, not safety assessments. Before choosing where to stay or live, check current travel advisories, talk to people who live there, and visit in person if you can.
Revitalizing urban core, historic
Downtown is undergoing revitalization with new apartments and restaurants. While convenient to Metra rail and some amenities, it can be noisy and lacks the charm of older residential areas. Not particularly expat-focused, but offers a walkable urban experience.
Historic homes, established, walkable
Characterized by beautiful, older homes and tree-lined streets, the Cathedral Area is a desirable residential neighborhood. It's relatively walkable and close to downtown amenities. However, housing costs can be higher than other parts of Joliet, and it's not a major expat hub.
Suburban, family-friendly, convenient
West Joliet offers a more suburban feel with newer housing developments and shopping centers. It's car-dependent but provides easy access to major highways. While safe and convenient, it lacks the unique character of older neighborhoods and isn't particularly geared towards expats.
Quiet suburb, affordable living
Crest Hill is a separate village bordering Joliet, offering a quieter, more affordable suburban lifestyle. It's primarily residential with strip malls for shopping. Public transit is limited, and it's not known for a large international community.
With a 1-bedroom in the center at $1367/mo, your FIRE number here might be much lower than you think.
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