Moving from Joliet, IL to Elizabeth, NJ
A move from Joliet, IL to Elizabeth, NJ covers 798 mi and around 15h 3m of driving through 5 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
798 mi · 15h 3m by car · IL → IN → OH → PA → NJ
Distance & route
| Route through | IL → IN → OH → PA → NJ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, NJ 10 |
| Major cities en route | Aurora, Naperville, Chicago, South Bend, Toledo |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Joliet | Elizabeth | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Elizabeth is 8.7% higher than Joliet, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Elizabeth is 8.7% above Joliet — $259,875 vs $534,667 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Joliet +1.9%, Elizabeth +3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Joliet | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50°F | 56°F |
| January avg low | 17°F | 26°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 16.9" | 31.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 38.0" | 46.6" |
Elizabeth runs 5.1°F warmer on the annual average (50.4°F vs 55.5°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Elizabeth averages 31.5 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US, NEWARK INTL AP, NJ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Joliet | Elizabeth |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,785 | 135,887 |
| Median household income | $88,026 | $63,874 |
| Median age | 35.3 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16% | 9.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.96 |
Median household income in Elizabeth is 8.7% below Joliet ($88,026 vs $63,874, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Elizabeth MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 1,165,200 | $50,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 806,590 | $46,160 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 755,900 | $44,800 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 755,280 | $37,670 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 725,930 | $100,940 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and New Jersey
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New Jersey'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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Elizabeth averages 31.5 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- 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 New Jersey after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Elizabeth compared to Joliet?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $534,667 in Elizabeth vs $259,875 in Joliet — a 105.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Elizabeth compare to Joliet?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Elizabeth MSA vs $49,790 in the Joliet MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Elizabeth more expensive than Joliet?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Elizabeth is 8.7% higher than Joliet (112.563 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Elizabeth, NJ from Joliet, IL?
The driving distance is 798 mi and the route typically takes 15h 3m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Joliet and Elizabeth?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 55.5°F in Elizabeth vs 50.4°F in Joliet (5.1°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 31.5 in vs 16.9 in. Annual precipitation: 46.6 in vs 38.0 in.
How does household income compare in Joliet vs Elizabeth?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,874 in Elizabeth vs $88,026 in Joliet — a 27.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Joliet to Elizabeth?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 798 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 Joliet.
City profiles: Joliet, IL · Elizabeth, NJ.