Moving from Joliet, IL to Springfield, MO
It is a 472 mi drive, roughly 8h 47m, between Joliet, IL and Springfield, MO. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
472 mi Β· 8h 47m by car Β· MO β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 55, I 44, US 40 |
| Major cities en route | St Louis, Springfield, Aurora, Naperville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Joliet | Springfield | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 88.585 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 85.825 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 94.193 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 65.568 | 100.0 |
Expect about 14.5% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Springfield at 88.585 vs Joliet at 103.595.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect around 14.5% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Joliet +1.9%, Springfield +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Joliet | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 17Β°F | 23Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 16.9" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 38.0" | 46.5" |
Annual temperature rises 6.0Β°F moving to Springfield per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US, SPRINGFIELD WBO, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Joliet | Springfield |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,785 | 169,432 |
| Median household income | $88,026 | $45,984 |
| Median age | 35.3 | 33.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16% | 18.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.13 |
Springfield households earn about 14.5% less than Joliet at the median β $88,026 β $45,984 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Springfield MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 28,080 | $38,030 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 24,360 | $38,880 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 20,070 | $28,100 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 19,640 | $31,070 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 17,940 | $63,340 |
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 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Tornadoes are common April through June β 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
When is the best time to move from Joliet to Springfield?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% 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 β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Springfield compared to Joliet?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $242,870 in Springfield vs $259,875 in Joliet β a 6.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Springfield more expensive than Joliet?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Springfield is 14.5% lower than Joliet (88.585 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Springfield, MO from Joliet, IL?
The driving distance is 472 mi and the route typically takes 8h 47m via I 55 and I 44. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Springfield compare to Joliet?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,490 in the Springfield MSA vs $49,790 in the Joliet MSA, on total employment of 217,710 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Joliet vs Springfield?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $45,984 in Springfield vs $88,026 in Joliet β a 47.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Joliet.
City profiles: Joliet, IL Β· Springfield, MO.