Moving from Cedar Rapids, IA to Joliet, IL
It is a 218 mi drive, roughly 4h 2m, between Cedar Rapids, IA and Joliet, IL. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
218 mi Β· 4h 2m by car Β· IL β IA
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β IA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 280, I 380 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, Aurora |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cedar Rapids | Joliet | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.963 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.981 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.447 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 16.4% above Cedar Rapids β 88.963 β 103.595 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
16.4% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Cedar Rapids +2.8%, Joliet +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cedar Rapids | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 17Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 16.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 35.9" | 38.0" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 16.9 in of snowfall annually at Joliet.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CEDAR RAPIDS MUNI AP, IA US, JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cedar Rapids | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,859 | 149,785 |
| Median household income | $67,859 | $88,026 |
| Median age | 36.9 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22.2% | 16% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.96 |
Joliet households earn about 16.4% more than Cedar Rapids at the median β $67,859 β $88,026 on 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 Iowa 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
How does household income compare in Cedar Rapids vs Joliet?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,026 in Joliet vs $67,859 in Cedar Rapids β a 29.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Joliet compared to Cedar Rapids?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $259,875 in Joliet vs $204,112 in Cedar Rapids β a 27.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Cedar Rapids to Joliet?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 218 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Joliet compare to Cedar Rapids?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Joliet MSA vs $47,670 in the Cedar Rapids MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 140,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Joliet more expensive than Cedar Rapids?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Joliet is 16.4% higher than Cedar Rapids (103.595 vs 88.963, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Joliet, IL from Cedar Rapids, IA?
The driving distance is 218 mi and the route typically takes 4h 2m via I 80 and I 280. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Cedar Rapids.
City profiles: Cedar Rapids, IA Β· Joliet, IL.