Moving from Brownsville, TX to Joliet, IL
Relocating 1386 mi from Brownsville to Joliet is a 26h 1m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1386 mi Β· 26h 1m by car Β· TX β AR β MO β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β AR β MO β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 59, I 55, US 77 |
| Major cities en route | Corpus Christi, Sugar Land, Houston, Pasadena, Pearland |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Brownsville | Joliet | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 85.975 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 81.15 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 57.72 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Joliet is 20.5% above Brownsville β one of the larger spreads between U.S. metros.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
20.5% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Brownsville +2.1%, Joliet +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Brownsville | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 74Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 51Β°F | 17Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 16.9" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 38.0" |
Annual average temperature gap of 24.0Β°F β a meaningful climate change across the move.
Heavy-snow city: expect 16.9 in of snowfall annually at Joliet.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WFO BROWNSVILLE, TX US, JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Brownsville | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 188,023 | 149,785 |
| Median household income | $48,675 | $88,026 |
| Median age | 30.9 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.8% | 16% |
| Avg household size | 3.21 | 2.96 |
Expect median household income to rise 20.5% β $48,675 β $88,026 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Texas 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.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (24.0Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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
How far is Joliet, IL from Brownsville, TX?
The driving distance is 1386 mi and the route typically takes 26h 1m via US 59 and I 55. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Joliet more expensive than Brownsville?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Joliet is 20.5% higher than Brownsville (103.595 vs 85.975, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Joliet compare to Brownsville?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Joliet MSA vs $33,540 in the Brownsville MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 154,580 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Joliet compared to Brownsville?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $259,875 in Joliet vs $195,993 in Brownsville β a 32.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Brownsville vs Joliet?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,026 in Joliet vs $48,675 in Brownsville β a 80.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Brownsville to Joliet?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1386 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Brownsville.
City profiles: Brownsville, TX Β· Joliet, IL.