Moving from Fontana, CA to Joliet, IL
A 1943 mi cross-country move between Fontana and Joliet is 33h 56m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 8 states. Nearly every household line β rent, taxes, climate, commute β usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
1943 mi Β· 33h 56m by car Β· CA β NV β AZ β UT β CO β NE β IA β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | CA β NV β AZ β UT β CO β NE β IA β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 70, I 15 |
| Major cities en route | Anaheim, Riverside, Moreno Valley, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fontana | Joliet | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 106.442 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.641 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 101.431 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 129.312 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 106.442 vs 103.595 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 2.7% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $639,032 to $259,875 moving to Joliet.
YoY change: Fontana -1.8%, Joliet +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Fontana | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 45Β°F | 17Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 16.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 11.6" | 38.0" |
Expect 16.4Β°F colder on average per year β plan for heating load and winter gear.
Joliet averages 16.9 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ONTARIO INTL AP, CA US, JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fontana | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 211,921 | 149,785 |
| Median household income | $98,187 | $88,026 |
| Median age | 33.3 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 14.7% | 16% |
| Avg household size | 3.71 | 2.96 |
Households in Joliet earn about 2.7% less at the median β 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 California 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.
Winter driving along this route
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β check CDOT alerts before departure.
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 β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (16.4Β°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 does the job market in Joliet compare to Fontana?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Joliet MSA vs $47,450 in the Fontana MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 1,661,860 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Fontana to Joliet?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1943 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Fontana vs Joliet?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,026 in Joliet vs $98,187 in Fontana β a 10.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Joliet more expensive than Fontana?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Joliet is 2.7% lower than Fontana (103.595 vs 106.442, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Joliet compared to Fontana?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $259,875 in Joliet vs $639,032 in Fontana β a 59.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Joliet, IL from Fontana, CA?
The driving distance is 1943 mi and the route typically takes 33h 56m via I 80 and I 70. The trip crosses 8 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 Fontana.
City profiles: Fontana, CA Β· Joliet, IL.