Moving from Akron, OH to Joliet, IL
The 376 mi from Akron to Joliet translate to about 7h 11m behind the wheel through 3 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
376 mi Β· 7h 11m by car Β· OH β IN β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β IN β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, SR 21 |
| Major cities en route | Cleveland, Toledo, South Bend, Chicago, Naperville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Akron | Joliet | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.37 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.448 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 76.785 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Joliet is 11.0% higher than Akron, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Joliet is 11.0% above Akron β $137,894 vs $259,875 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Akron +2.2%, Joliet +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Akron | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 21Β°F | 17Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 16.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 32.5" | 38.0" |
Annual average temperatures in Akron (52.3Β°F) and Joliet (50.4Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Joliet averages 16.9 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US, JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Akron | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 189,526 | 149,785 |
| Median household income | $48,544 | $88,026 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.3% | 16% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.96 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 11.0% between Akron and Joliet (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Joliet MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 519,810 | $46,540 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 497,550 | $41,020 |
| Management Occupations | 405,130 | $125,280 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 386,070 | $38,490 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 368,000 | $33,540 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Ohio and Illinois
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Illinois's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Joliet averages 16.9 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Illinois after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Akron to Joliet?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 376 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Joliet compared to Akron?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $259,875 in Joliet vs $137,894 in Akron β a 88.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Joliet more expensive than Akron?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Joliet is 11.0% higher than Akron (103.595 vs 93.37, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Joliet, IL from Akron, OH?
The driving distance is 376 mi and the route typically takes 7h 11m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Joliet compare to Akron?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Joliet MSA vs $45,950 in the Akron MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 320,810 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Akron vs Joliet?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,026 in Joliet vs $48,544 in Akron β a 81.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Akron.
City profiles: Akron, OH Β· Joliet, IL.