Moving from Huntsville, AL to Joliet, IL
Relocating 591 mi from Huntsville to Joliet is a 11h 14m drive through 5 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
591 mi · 11h 14m by car · AL → TN → KY → IN → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | AL → TN → KY → IN → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 65, I 80, AL 53 |
| Major cities en route | Murfreesboro, Chicago, Naperville, Aurora |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Huntsville | Joliet | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.072 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.931 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 77.946 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Joliet runs about 11.3% more expensive overall than Huntsville — RPP 93.072 → 103.595.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Joliet run about 11.3% cheaper — ZHVI $287,569 → $259,875 (2026-03).
YoY change: Huntsville +0.2%, Joliet +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Huntsville | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63°F | 50°F |
| January avg low | 33°F | 17°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 84°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.4" | 16.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 54.3" | 38.0" |
Expect 12.5°F colder year-round on the 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: HUNTSVILLE INTL AP, AL US, JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Huntsville | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,814 | 149,785 |
| Median household income | $70,778 | $88,026 |
| Median age | 36.4 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26.7% | 16% |
| Avg household size | 2.33 | 2.96 |
Expect median household income to rise 11.3% — $70,778 → $88,026 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Alabama 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-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees 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 (12.5°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 Huntsville vs Joliet?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,026 in Joliet vs $70,778 in Huntsville — a 24.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Joliet more expensive than Huntsville?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Joliet is 11.3% higher than Huntsville (103.595 vs 93.072, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Joliet compare to Huntsville?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Joliet MSA vs $49,440 in the Huntsville MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 250,940 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Joliet compared to Huntsville?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $259,875 in Joliet vs $287,569 in Huntsville — a 9.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Joliet, IL from Huntsville, AL?
The driving distance is 591 mi and the route typically takes 11h 14m via I 65 and I 80. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Huntsville and Joliet?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 50.4°F in Joliet vs 62.9°F in Huntsville (12.5°F colder). Annual snowfall: 16.9 in vs 2.4 in. Annual precipitation: 38.0 in vs 54.3 in.
When is the best time to move from Huntsville 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 591 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — 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 Huntsville.
City profiles: Huntsville, AL · Joliet, IL.