Moving from Joliet, IL to Providence, RI
A move from Joliet, IL to Providence, RI covers 981 mi and around 18h 38m of driving through 7 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.
981 mi · 18h 38m by car · RI → CT → NY → PA → OH → IN → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | RI → CT → NY → PA → OH → IN → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 84, I 90 |
| Major cities en route | Brockton, Hartford, Springfield, New Haven, Waterbury |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Joliet | Providence | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 101.773 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 148.809 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 97.116 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 103.851 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Joliet (103.595) and Providence (101.773) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Providence: 1.8% above Joliet on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Joliet +1.9%, Providence +2.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Joliet | Providence |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50°F | 52°F |
| January avg low | 17°F | 22°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 84°F |
| Annual snowfall | 16.9" | 36.6" |
| Annual precipitation | 38.0" | 47.5" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 36.6 in of snowfall annually at Providence.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US, PROVIDENCE T F GREEN AP, RI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Joliet | Providence |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,785 | 190,214 |
| Median household income | $88,026 | $66,772 |
| Median age | 35.3 | 32.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16% | 18.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.71 |
Median household income in Providence is 1.8% below Joliet ($88,026 vs $66,772, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Rhode Island
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Rhode Island'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
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter — check 511NY.
- 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: Providence averages 36.6 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 Rhode Island after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Joliet to Providence?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 981 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Joliet vs Providence?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $66,772 in Providence vs $88,026 in Joliet — a 24.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Providence, RI from Joliet, IL?
The driving distance is 981 mi and the route typically takes 18h 38m via I 80 and I 84. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Providence compared to Joliet?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $426,007 in Providence vs $259,875 in Joliet — a 63.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Providence more expensive than Joliet?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Providence is 1.8% lower than Joliet (101.773 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Joliet and Providence?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 52.1°F in Providence vs 50.4°F in Joliet (1.7°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 36.6 in vs 16.9 in. Annual precipitation: 47.5 in vs 38.0 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Joliet.
City profiles: Joliet, IL · Providence, RI.