Moving from Joliet, IL to Independence, MO
Moving from Joliet, IL to Independence, MO covers 472 mi and about 8h 52m by car through 2 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully — the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
472 mi · 8h 52m by car · IL → MO
Distance & route
| Route through | IL → MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 55, I 70, US 40 |
| Major cities en route | Aurora, Naperville, Springfield, Columbia, Lee S Summit |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Joliet | Independence | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 103.595 to 92.543, putting Independence roughly 10.7% below Joliet on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing drop: Independence ZHVI at $208,158 is 10.7% below Joliet at $259,875.
YoY change: Joliet +1.9%, Independence +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Joliet | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50°F | 54°F |
| January avg low | 17°F | 19°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 16.9" | 13.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 38.0" | 44.7" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 13.2 in of snowfall annually at Independence.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US, INDEPENDENCE, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Joliet | Independence |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,785 | 121,944 |
| Median household income | $88,026 | $59,480 |
| Median age | 35.3 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16% | 13.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.39 |
Median household income in Independence is 10.7% below Joliet ($88,026 vs $59,480, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Independence MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 133,580 | $43,640 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 105,080 | $42,090 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 95,130 | $29,920 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 94,940 | $36,640 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 77,380 | $75,790 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Missouri
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Missouri'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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Independence averages 13.2 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Tornadoes are common April through June — identify a safe room or interior space 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 Missouri after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Joliet vs Independence?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $59,480 in Independence vs $88,026 in Joliet — a 32.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Independence compare to Joliet?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Independence MSA vs $49,790 in the Joliet MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Independence, MO from Joliet, IL?
The driving distance is 472 mi and the route typically takes 8h 52m via I 55 and I 70. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Joliet and Independence?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 54.0°F in Independence vs 50.4°F in Joliet (3.6°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 13.2 in vs 16.9 in. Annual precipitation: 44.7 in vs 38.0 in.
When is the best time to move from Joliet to Independence?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 472 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Independence more expensive than Joliet?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Independence is 10.7% lower than Joliet (92.543 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Independence compared to Joliet?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $208,158 in Independence vs $259,875 in Joliet — a 19.9% lower 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 · Independence, MO.