Moving from Gilbert, AZ to Joliet, IL
Cross-country relocations like Gilbert, AZ β Joliet, IL cover 1708 mi and about 30h 39m of driving through 6 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
1708 mi Β· 30h 39m by car Β· AZ β NM β TX β OK β MO β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β TX β OK β MO β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, AZ 77, I 44 |
| Major cities en route | Chandler, Mesa, Phoenix, Tempe, Glendale |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Gilbert | Joliet | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Joliet and Gilbert are close on the overall BEA RPP (103.316 vs 103.595); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Joliet typical home at $259,875 is 0.3% under Gilbert at $572,507 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Gilbert -1.2%, Joliet +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Gilbert | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 71Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 41Β°F | 17Β°F |
| July avg high | 104Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 16.9" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 38.0" |
NOAA normals show Joliet running 21.0Β°F below Gilbert on the annual mean.
Significant snow at the destination: Joliet sees 16.9 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHANDLER HEIGHTS, AZ US, JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Gilbert | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 271,118 | 149,785 |
| Median household income | $121,351 | $88,026 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.7% | 16% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.96 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 0.3% between Gilbert 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 Arizona 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
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close 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 β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (21.0Β°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 household income compare in Gilbert vs Joliet?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,026 in Joliet vs $121,351 in Gilbert β a 27.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Joliet, IL from Gilbert, AZ?
The driving distance is 1708 mi and the route typically takes 30h 39m via I 40 and AZ 77. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Joliet more expensive than Gilbert?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Joliet is 0.3% higher than Gilbert (103.595 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Joliet compared to Gilbert?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $259,875 in Joliet vs $572,507 in Gilbert β a 54.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Joliet compare to Gilbert?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Joliet MSA vs $48,600 in the Gilbert MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Gilbert to Joliet?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1708 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Gilbert.
City profiles: Gilbert, AZ Β· Joliet, IL.