Moving from Joliet, IL to Cleveland, OH
It is a 357 mi drive, roughly 6h 47m, between Joliet, IL and Cleveland, OH. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
357 mi Β· 6h 47m by car Β· OH β IN β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β IN β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 80, I 294 |
| Major cities en route | Akron, Toledo, South Bend, Chicago, Naperville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Joliet | Cleveland | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 93.923 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 95.967 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 79.434 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 9.3% cheaper overall in Cleveland than Joliet on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
9.3% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Joliet +1.9%, Cleveland -1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Joliet | Cleveland |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 17Β°F | 24Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 16.9" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 38.0" | 33.3" |
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, CLEVELAND BURKE AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Joliet | Cleveland |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,785 | 367,523 |
| Median household income | $88,026 | $39,187 |
| Median age | 35.3 | 36.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16% | 12.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.18 |
Cleveland households earn about 9.3% less than Joliet at the median β $88,026 β $39,187 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Ohio
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Ohio'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.
Frequently asked
Is Cleveland more expensive than Joliet?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cleveland is 9.3% lower than Joliet (93.923 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Cleveland, OH from Joliet, IL?
The driving distance is 357 mi and the route typically takes 6h 47m via I 90 and I 80. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Joliet to Cleveland?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 357 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Cleveland compared to Joliet?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $115,537 in Cleveland vs $259,875 in Joliet β a 55.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Joliet vs Cleveland?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $39,187 in Cleveland vs $88,026 in Joliet β a 55.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Joliet.
City profiles: Joliet, IL Β· Cleveland, OH.