Moving from Columbia, MO to Joliet, IL
The 359 mi from Columbia to Joliet translate to about 6h 49m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — 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.
359 mi · 6h 49m by car · IL → MO
Distance & route
| Route through | IL → MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 55, I 72, US 36 |
| Major cities en route | Aurora, Naperville, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Columbia | Joliet | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.438 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 85.966 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.193 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 69.248 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 89.438 in Columbia to 103.595 in Joliet, a 15.8% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing drop: Joliet ZHVI at $259,875 is 15.8% below Columbia at $321,091.
YoY change: Columbia +2.6%, Joliet +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Columbia | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 56°F | 50°F |
| January avg low | 23°F | 17°F |
| July avg high | 89°F | 84°F |
| Annual snowfall | 17.4" | 16.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 44.8" | 38.0" |
Climate cools by 5.8°F on the annual average — 56.2°F → 50.4°F.
Heavy-snow city: expect 16.9 in of snowfall annually at Joliet.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: COLUMBIA U OF M, MO US, JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Columbia | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 127,200 | 149,785 |
| Median household income | $64,488 | $88,026 |
| Median age | 29.2 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.1% | 16% |
| Avg household size | 2.48 | 2.96 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 15.8% between Columbia 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 Missouri 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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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 — 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 Columbia vs Joliet?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,026 in Joliet vs $64,488 in Columbia — a 36.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Joliet compared to Columbia?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $259,875 in Joliet vs $321,091 in Columbia — a 19.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Joliet more expensive than Columbia?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Joliet is 15.8% higher than Columbia (103.595 vs 89.438, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Columbia and Joliet?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 50.4°F in Joliet vs 56.2°F in Columbia (5.8°F colder). Annual snowfall: 16.9 in vs 17.4 in. Annual precipitation: 38.0 in vs 44.8 in.
How far is Joliet, IL from Columbia, MO?
The driving distance is 359 mi and the route typically takes 6h 49m via I 55 and I 72. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Columbia to Joliet?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 359 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Joliet compare to Columbia?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Joliet MSA vs $44,410 in the Columbia MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 97,940 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Columbia.
City profiles: Columbia, MO · Joliet, IL.