Moving from Joliet, IL to Centennial, CO
Relocating 989 mi from Joliet to Centennial is a 17h 26m drive through 4 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.
989 mi Β· 17h 26m by car Β· IL β IA β NE β CO
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β IA β NE β CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80 EXPRESS, I 80, I 76 |
| Major cities en route | Aurora, Naperville, Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Omaha |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Joliet | Centennial | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 105.782 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 87.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 100.957 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 146.919 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
2.1% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Joliet +1.9%, Centennial -2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Joliet | Centennial |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 17Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 87Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 16.9" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 38.0" | 15.0" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US, DENVER CENTENNIAL AP, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Joliet | Centennial |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,785 | 107,386 |
| Median household income | $88,026 | $128,167 |
| Median age | 35.3 | 41.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16% | 37% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.59 |
Expect median household income to rise 2.1% β $88,026 β $128,167 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Centennial MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 173,910 | $49,000 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 172,890 | $48,280 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 164,250 | $84,370 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 140,150 | $36,010 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 129,510 | $45,350 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Colorado
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Colorado'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
- 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.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Joliet vs Centennial?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $128,167 in Centennial vs $88,026 in Joliet β a 45.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Centennial more expensive than Joliet?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Centennial is 2.1% higher than Joliet (105.782 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Centennial, CO from Joliet, IL?
The driving distance is 989 mi and the route typically takes 17h 26m via I 80 EXPRESS and I 80. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Centennial compare to Joliet?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,490 in the Centennial MSA vs $49,790 in the Joliet MSA, on total employment of 1,590,330 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Centennial compared to Joliet?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $649,086 in Centennial vs $259,875 in Joliet β a 149.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Joliet to Centennial?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 989 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 Joliet.
City profiles: Joliet, IL Β· Centennial, CO.