Moving from Elgin, IL to Joliet, IL
The 55 mi from Elgin to Joliet translate to about 1h 19m behind the wheel through 1 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.
55 mi · 1h 19m by car · IL
Distance & route
| Route through | IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 355, I 55, US 20 |
| Major cities en route | Aurora, Naperville, Chicago |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Elgin | Joliet | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Joliet and Elgin are close on the overall BEA RPP (103.595 vs 103.595); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Joliet typical home at $259,875 is 0.0% under Elgin at $329,682 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Elgin +3.2%, Joliet +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Elgin | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49°F | 50°F |
| January avg low | 14°F | 17°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 84°F |
| Annual snowfall | 32.1" | 16.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 39.9" | 38.0" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 49.0°F vs 50.4°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Joliet sees 16.9 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ELGIN, IL US, JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Elgin | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,106 | 149,785 |
| Median household income | $88,316 | $88,026 |
| Median age | 36.3 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.9% | 16% |
| Avg household size | 2.94 | 2.96 |
Household income lines up — $88,316 vs $88,026 on 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.
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.
Frequently asked
What is the climate difference between Elgin and Joliet?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 50.4°F in Joliet vs 49.0°F in Elgin (1.4°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 16.9 in vs 32.1 in. Annual precipitation: 38.0 in vs 39.9 in.
How does household income compare in Elgin vs Joliet?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,026 in Joliet vs $88,316 in Elgin — a 0.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Elgin 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 55 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Joliet, IL from Elgin, IL?
The driving distance is 55 mi and the route typically takes 1h 19m via I 355 and I 55. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Joliet compare to Elgin?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Joliet MSA vs $49,790 in the Elgin MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Joliet compared to Elgin?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $259,875 in Joliet vs $329,682 in Elgin — a 21.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Elgin.
City profiles: Elgin, IL · Joliet, IL.