Moving from Joliet, IL to Broken Arrow, OK
Relocating 646 mi from Joliet to Broken Arrow is a 11h 45m drive through 3 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
646 mi Β· 11h 45m by car Β· IL β MO β OK
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β MO β OK |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 44, US 50, I 55 |
| Major cities en route | Aurora, Naperville, Springfield, St Louis, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Joliet | Broken Arrow | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 89.214 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 73.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 93.778 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 68.235 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 13.9% moving from Joliet to Broken Arrow β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Broken Arrow run about 13.9% pricier β ZHVI $259,875 β $286,846 (2026-03).
YoY change: Joliet +1.9%, Broken Arrow +2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Joliet | Broken Arrow |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 60Β°F |
| January avg low | 17Β°F | 26Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 16.9" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 38.0" | β |
Expect 9.6Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US, BIXBY, OK US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Joliet | Broken Arrow |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,785 | 115,919 |
| Median household income | $88,026 | $85,220 |
| Median age | 35.3 | 37 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16% | 24.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.66 |
Household income lines up β $88,026 vs $85,220 on ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Broken Arrow MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 57,490 | $39,200 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 42,230 | $33,990 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 42,030 | $26,730 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 40,710 | $36,500 |
| Production Occupations | 33,610 | $44,720 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Oklahoma
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Oklahoma'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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Broken Arrow average 94Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Tornado season peaks April through June β identify a safe room or interior space in the new home on day one.
- 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 Oklahoma after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Broken Arrow compare to Joliet?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,140 in the Broken Arrow MSA vs $49,790 in the Joliet MSA, on total employment of 443,020 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Broken Arrow, OK from Joliet, IL?
The driving distance is 646 mi and the route typically takes 11h 45m via I 44 and US 50. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Joliet to Broken Arrow?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 646 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Broken Arrow more expensive than Joliet?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Broken Arrow is 13.9% lower than Joliet (89.214 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Joliet vs Broken Arrow?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $85,220 in Broken Arrow vs $88,026 in Joliet β a 3.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Broken Arrow compared to Joliet?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $286,846 in Broken Arrow vs $259,875 in Joliet β a 10.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Joliet.
City profiles: Joliet, IL Β· Broken Arrow, OK.