Moving from Joliet, IL to Rochester, MN
The 365 mi from Joliet to Rochester translate to about 6h 57m behind the wheel through 3 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
365 mi · 6h 57m by car · IL → WI → MN
Distance & route
| Route through | IL → WI → MN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 39, I 94 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, Aurora, Elgin, Rockford, Madison |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Joliet | Rochester | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 90.821 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 87.389 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 95.433 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 78.628 | 100.0 |
Rochester is 12.3% cheaper than Joliet overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Rochester is 12.3% above Joliet — $259,875 vs $339,455 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Joliet +1.9%, Rochester +3.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Joliet | Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50°F | 45°F |
| January avg low | 17°F | 7°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 80°F |
| Annual snowfall | 16.9" | 53.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 38.0" | 34.7" |
Climate cools by 5.6°F on the annual average — 50.4°F → 44.8°F.
Rochester averages 53.1 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, ROCHESTER INTL AP, MN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Joliet | Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,785 | 121,638 |
| Median household income | $88,026 | $87,767 |
| Median age | 35.3 | 36.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16% | 27.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.4 |
Median household incomes in Joliet ($88,026) and Rochester ($87,767) are within a few percent (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Rochester MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 23,780 | $97,300 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 13,960 | $48,040 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 9,470 | $30,300 |
| Registered Nurses | 8,990 | $97,300 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 8,740 | $40,190 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Minnesota
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Minnesota'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
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin — check 511wi.
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms — check MnDOT 511.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a much snowier climate — Rochester averages 53.1 in annually vs 16.9 in at origin. Don't bury the winter gear in a hard-to-reach box.
- 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 Minnesota after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Joliet to Rochester?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 365 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Rochester, MN from Joliet, IL?
The driving distance is 365 mi and the route typically takes 6h 57m via I 90 and I 39. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Rochester more expensive than Joliet?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Rochester is 12.3% lower than Joliet (90.821 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Joliet and Rochester?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 44.8°F in Rochester vs 50.4°F in Joliet (5.6°F colder). Annual snowfall: 53.1 in vs 16.9 in. Annual precipitation: 34.7 in vs 38.0 in.
How does household income compare in Joliet vs Rochester?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $87,767 in Rochester vs $88,026 in Joliet — a 0.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Rochester compare to Joliet?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $55,970 in the Rochester MSA vs $49,790 in the Joliet MSA, on total employment of 119,430 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Rochester compared to Joliet?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $339,455 in Rochester vs $259,875 in Joliet — a 30.6% higher 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 · Rochester, MN.