đź“Š Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Joliet and Philadelphia
Head-to-Head Analysis
Joliet vs Philadelphia
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
đź“‹ The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Joliet | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $86,054 | $60,302 |
| Unemployment Rate | 4.4% | 4.7% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $299,900 | $270,375 |
| Price per SqFt | $179 | $204 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $1,507 | $1,451 |
| Housing Cost Index | 110.7 | 117.8 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 103.3 | 100.3 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.40 | $3.40 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 456.0 | 726.5 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 23.3% | 35.7% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 32 | 40 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Alright, let’s get real for a second. Picking a place to live is a huge decision, and sometimes you end up comparing apples to… well, a city in Illinois that isn’t Chicago. You’ve got Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love, a massive East Coast hub with deep history, grit, and cheesesteaks. And then you’ve got Joliet, a tough, industrial town southwest of Chicago, known for its prison legacy and blue-collar roots.
This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about which city’s rhythm fits your life. Are you chasing the energy of a metropolis or looking for a more grounded, affordable Midwest lifestyle? We’re going to break this down head-to-head, using the data to cut through the noise and give you the straight talk you need.
The Vibe Check: Fast-Paced Metro vs. Industrial Heartland
Philadelphia is a beast. With a population of 1.5 million, it’s the 6th largest city in the U.S. It’s a dense, walkable, historic powerhouse. You’re living in the shadow of the Liberty Bell, grabbing a slice at 2 AM, and taking the subway to work. The energy is palpable—museums, concert venues, and a food scene that goes from high-end to hole-in-the-wall. It’s for the person who craves urban density, cultural depth, and the feeling of being in the center of the action.
Joliet, on the other hand, is a town of about 148,000. It’s got a proud, industrial identity. Think more Main Street than skyscraper. It’s a commuter city for folks working in Chicago or the surrounding suburbs, offering a more relaxed pace with easy access to big-city amenities. You’re looking at a community-oriented vibe, local diners, and a lower cost of living. This is for the practical soul who values space, a slower pace, and a strong sense of local community without the chaos of a mega-city.
Who is it for?
- Philadelphia: The urban professional, the history buff, the foodie, the person who needs a vibrant scene and doesn’t mind the hustle (and the occasional smelly subway ride).
- Joliet: The family seeking affordability, the commuter who works in Chicago but wants to own a home, the person who prefers a tight-knit community over anonymous city life.
The Dollar Power: Where Your Paycheck Goes Further
This is where Joliet starts to flex its muscles. Let’s lay out the numbers.
| Category | Philadelphia | Joliet | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Income | $60,302 | $86,054 | Joliet |
| Median Home Price | $270,375 | $299,900 | Philadelphia |
| Rent (1BR) | $1,451 | $1,507 | Philadelphia |
| Housing Index | 117.8 | 110.7 | Joliet |
Salary Wars & Purchasing Power
At first glance, Joliet’s median income ($86,054) looks massively higher than Philly’s ($60,302). That’s a 43% difference. This is a classic East Coast vs. Midwest story. Salaries in Joliet’s manufacturing and logistics sectors can be strong, and with lower state income taxes (Illinois has a flat 4.95% rate, while Pennsylvania is a flat 3.07%—so Philly actually wins on state income tax!), your take-home can be potent.
But here’s the twist: housing costs. The median home price in Philadelphia ($270,375) is actually lower than Joliet’s ($299,900). Rent is marginally cheaper in Philly. This creates a fascinating dynamic.
If you earn the median income in each city, your purchasing power is stronger in Joliet. That higher salary goes further to cover the slightly higher home price. You can afford more house for your money in the Midwest. However, if you’re a professional pulling in a six-figure salary, the gap narrows. The real "bang for your buck" in Philly is for those who can secure a high-paying remote job from a coastal company while living in a relatively affordable major city.
Verdict on Dollars: For most median earners, Joliet offers better purchasing power. Your paycheck stretches further for a home. But Philly’s lower home prices and slightly better tax structure make it a sneaky-good deal for a major metro.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent & The Competition
Philadelphia:
The market is competitive. With a Housing Index of 117.8, it’s above the national average. You’re competing with a large population and a hot rental market. Buying is possible, but you’ll need to move fast. The city offers a wild variety—from historic row homes in Fishtown to spacious apartments in Center City. Renting is the default for many young professionals, and it’s not cheap.
Joliet:
With a Housing Index of 110.7, Joliet is also above average but less intense than Philly. The market is more balanced. You can find single-family homes with yards, something that’s a luxury in most of Philadelphia. The competition is there, but it’s not the frenzy of a coastal city. It’s a much more straightforward buyer’s market for families looking for space.
Verdict: If you’re a renter, Philly offers more inventory but at a higher cost. If you’re a buyer looking for a family home with a yard, Joliet is the clearer winner. Philly is for those who prioritize location over square footage.
The Dealbreakers: Weather, Traffic, and Safety
Weather:
Philly has four distinct seasons. It’s hot and humid in the summer (think 90°F with a "feels like" of 100°F+), and cold and slushy in the winter (average winter temps in the 30s, with snow). It’s a classic East Coast climate.
Joliet’s weather data wasn’t provided, but as a Chicago suburb, it’s notoriously brutal. Think harsh, windy winters with significant snow, and hot, humid summers. If you hate winter, neither city is your friend, but Philly’s winters are generally milder than the Chicago area’s.
Traffic & Commute:
- Philadelphia: Traffic is a nightmare. The Schuylkill and I-95 are legendary for gridlock. Public transit (SEPTA) is extensive but can be unreliable and crowded. Commuting within the city is a mix of walking, subway, and bus.
- Joliet: As a commuter town, traffic is its own beast. The I-80 and I-55 corridors get packed with trucks and commuters heading to Chicago. However, you have the Metra train for a predictable (if long, ~1-hour) commute into downtown Chicago. For daily commuters, this is a huge plus.
Crime & Safety (The Hard Truth):
This is a major differentiator. Let’s not sugarcoat it.
- Philadelphia: Violent crime rate is 726.5 per 100,000. This is significantly high. Safety varies dramatically by neighborhood, from very safe to areas you should avoid. You must research your specific neighborhood.
- Joliet: Violent crime rate is 456.0 per 100,000. While still above the national average, it’s notably lower than Philadelphia’s. This is a critical point for families and anyone prioritizing personal safety.
Verdict on Dealbreakers:
- Traffic: A tie, but for different reasons. Philly is internal chaos; Joliet is commuter chaos.
- Weather: Philly has a slight edge (less brutal winters).
- Safety: Joliet is the clear winner. The data shows a substantially lower violent crime rate. This is a massive point in its favor for many.
The Final Verdict: Who Wins Your Move?
After digging into the data and the lifestyle, here’s the breakdown.
🏆 Winner for Families: Joliet
- Why: Safety is the top priority, and Joliet’s lower crime rate is decisive. You get more house for your money (a yard!), a community feel, and access to good schools in the suburbs. The purchasing power of the median income goes much further here. You’re trading urban buzz for suburban stability.
🏆 Winner for Singles/Young Professionals: Philadelphia
- Why: If you’re under 35 and thrive on energy, culture, and nightlife, Philly is the place. The lower median income is a hurdle, but for those with in-demand skills or remote jobs, the city offers an unbeatable urban experience. The walkability, history, and social scene are unmatched in this comparison.
🏆 Winner for Retirees: Joliet
- Why: Lower cost of living, a slower pace of life, and higher safety are huge draws for retirees. While Philly has great cultural amenities, the daily grind, higher crime, and dense, noisy environment can be taxing. Joliet offers a peaceful, affordable retirement with easy access to Chicago for occasional city trips.
The Final Scorecard: Pros & Cons
Philadelphia Pros & Cons
Pros:
- World-Class Urban Hub: Endless food, culture, and history.
- Walkable & Transit-Friendly: You can live without a car.
- Strong Job Market: For certain industries (healthcare, education, finance).
- Better Weather: Milder winters than the Midwest.
- Relative Affordability for a major coastal city.
Cons:
- High Crime Rate: 726.5 violent crimes/100k is a serious concern.
- Traffic & Gridlock: Infamous and stressful.
- Competitive Housing Market: Especially for renters.
- Paying City Wage Tax: A 3.75% tax on all income earned in the city.
Joliet Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Higher Median Income: $86,054 vs. Philly’s $60,302.
- Lower Violent Crime: 456.0/100k is significantly safer.
- Better Bang for Your Buck on a home with a yard.
- Commuter Convenience: Metra train to Chicago.
- Community Feel: Less anonymous than a mega-city.
Cons:
- Industrial Reputation: Less "glamorous" than Philly.
- Brutal Winters: Harsh, windy, and snowy.
- Limited Urban Core: Fewer cultural amenities within the city itself.
- Dependent on Chicago: For major pro sports, high-end dining, and some niche jobs.
The Bottom Line:
Choose Philadelphia if you’re a young professional or urbanite who prioritizes culture, walkability, and city energy, and you’re willing to navigate higher crime and traffic for the experience.
Choose Joliet if you’re a family, a retiree, or a practical professional who prioritizes safety, more space for your money, and a grounded community feel, with Chicago accessible for big-city needs.
It’s not just about the numbers—it’s about the life you want to live. Now, choose your path.