63
Overall Score /100
Wins 0 of 7 categories
70
Overall Score /100
Wins 3 of 7 categories
Joliet wins 3–0
based on 7 categories of official U.S. government data
Joliet wins 0–3 overall (70/100)
💰 Joliet is more affordable
💼 Joliet has lower unemployment
🛡️ Joliet has fewer disasters
📋 Chicago vs Joliet — The Verdict
Joliet scores 70.8/100 compared to Chicago's 63/100, winning 3 out of 7 data categories. On affordability, Joliet has a clear edge with home prices 23% lower. Joliet may be the better fit for budget-conscious movers.
💡 Key Differences
🏠
Home prices in Joliet are 23% lower — a difference of $70,700 in median home value.
💰
Renting in Joliet saves you $140/month — that's $1,680 per year.
💵
Households in Joliet earn $13,298 more per year (19% higher median income).
Median Home Value
$304,500
$233,800
Median Rent /mo
$1,314
$1,174
Median Income
$71,673
$84,971
The affordability gap is significant — Joliet offers home prices 23% lower than Chicago, translating to $70,700 in savings on a median-priced home. This difference alone could determine which city makes financial sense for your situation.
Unemployment Rate
4.6%
4.6%
Job markets are essentially equivalent in both cities — the difference in unemployment rates is negligible. Focus on which city has more openings in your specific field.
Air Quality (AQI)
60
63 Moderate
Toxic Facilities (TRI)
0
0
Environmental conditions are broadly similar between the two cities based on current EPA monitoring data.
Max Internet Speed
N/A Mbps
N/A Mbps
Fiber Available
❌ No
❌ No
Solar Potential (kWh/m²/day)
Internet and utility infrastructure data helps assess remote work viability and monthly overhead costs in each city.
Disasters (20 years)
10
8
Natural disaster exposure is comparable between both cities based on FEMA declaration data.
❓ Moving from Chicago to Joliet: Common Questions
Is Chicago or Joliet cheaper to live in?
Joliet is more affordable overall. Home prices are $70,700 lower in Joliet. Monthly rent is $1,174 in Joliet vs $1,314 in Chicago.
Does Chicago or Joliet have better weather?
Joliet scores higher on climate (50/100 vs 50/100).
Is Chicago or Joliet better for finding a job?
Joliet currently has a stronger job market. Unemployment is 4.6% in Chicago vs 4.6% in Joliet. Median household income is $71,673 in Chicago and $84,971 in Joliet.
Which city is safer — Chicago or Joliet?
In terms of natural disaster risk, Joliet is safer. Chicago has had 10 federal disaster declarations in 20 years vs 8 in Joliet. Chicago scores 95/100 on safety vs 95/100 for Joliet.
Should I move from Chicago to Joliet?
Based on our data, Joliet scores 70.8/100 vs Chicago's 63.0/100 overall. The best choice depends on your priorities — Joliet is more affordable, while Joliet has a better climate.
Planning to move from Chicago to Joliet?
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📊 Data: U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), NOAA Climate Normals,
EPA AirNow & TRI, NREL PVWatts, FEMA Disaster Declarations, FCC Broadband Data.
Last updated: April 4, 2026.