Moving from Joliet, IL to Detroit, MI
Relocating between Joliet, IL and Detroit, MI is a 291 mi drive β 5h 32m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
291 mi Β· 5h 32m by car Β· MI β IN β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | MI β IN β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, I 80, M 14 |
| Major cities en route | Warren, Sterling Heights, Dearborn, Ann Arbor, South Bend |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Joliet | Detroit | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 100.298 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 106.988 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 98.817 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 94.69 | 100.0 |
Joliet and Detroit sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $259,875 in Joliet to $75,358 in Detroit, a 3.2% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Joliet +1.9%, Detroit -3.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Joliet | Detroit |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 17Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 16.9" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 38.0" | 34.9" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 50.4Β°F vs 50.3Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US, DEARBORN #2, MI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Joliet | Detroit |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,785 | 636,644 |
| Median household income | $88,026 | $39,575 |
| Median age | 35.3 | 35.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16% | 10.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.51 |
Expect median household income to fall 3.2% β $88,026 β $39,575 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Detroit MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 224,810 | $45,600 |
| Production Occupations | 186,670 | $44,740 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 165,670 | $40,090 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 160,290 | $36,830 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 153,090 | $30,480 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Michigan
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Michigan'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
- Lake-effect snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Joliet to Detroit?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 291 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Joliet vs Detroit?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $39,575 in Detroit vs $88,026 in Joliet β a 55.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Detroit compare to Joliet?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,950 in the Detroit MSA vs $49,790 in the Joliet MSA, on total employment of 1,900,180 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Detroit compared to Joliet?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $75,358 in Detroit vs $259,875 in Joliet β a 71.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Detroit more expensive than Joliet?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Detroit is 3.2% lower than Joliet (100.298 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Detroit, MI from Joliet, IL?
The driving distance is 291 mi and the route typically takes 5h 32m via I 94 and I 80. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Joliet.
City profiles: Joliet, IL Β· Detroit, MI.