Moving from Columbia, SC to Joliet, IL
A move from Columbia, SC to Joliet, IL covers 801 mi and around 15h 45m of driving through 6 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
801 mi · 15h 45m by car · IL → IN → KY → TN → NC → SC
Distance & route
| Route through | IL → IN → KY → TN → NC → SC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 65, US 74, I 26 |
| Major cities en route | Aurora, Naperville, Chicago |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Columbia | Joliet | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.662 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.306 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.339 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.455 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 93.662 in Columbia to 103.595 in Joliet, a 10.6% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing step-up: Joliet at $259,875 is 10.6% above Columbia at $229,068.
YoY change: Columbia +1.3%, Joliet +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Columbia | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64°F | 50°F |
| January avg low | 33°F | 17°F |
| July avg high | 93°F | 84°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.4" | 16.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 46.3" | 38.0" |
Joliet is 13.2°F cooler on the annual average (63.6°F vs 50.4°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Heavy-snow city: expect 16.9 in of snowfall annually at Joliet.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: SANDHILL RSCH - ELGIN, SC US, JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Columbia | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 138,019 | 149,785 |
| Median household income | $55,653 | $88,026 |
| Median age | 28.7 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.2% | 16% |
| Avg household size | 2.67 | 2.96 |
Median household income in Joliet is 10.6% above Columbia ($55,653 vs $88,026, ACS 5-year 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 South Carolina 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.
Winter driving along this route
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
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.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (13.2°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 Columbia, SC?
The driving distance is 801 mi and the route typically takes 15h 45m via I 65 and US 74. The trip crosses 6 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 801 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Joliet more expensive than Columbia?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Joliet is 10.6% higher than Columbia (103.595 vs 93.662, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
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 $55,653 in Columbia — a 58.2% 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 $229,068 in Columbia — a 13.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Columbia and Joliet?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 50.4°F in Joliet vs 63.6°F in Columbia (13.2°F colder). Annual snowfall: 16.9 in vs 0.4 in. Annual precipitation: 38.0 in vs 46.3 in.
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 $42,630 in the Columbia MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 381,750 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, SC · Joliet, IL.