Moving from Joliet, IL to Worcester, MA
The drive from Joliet, IL to Worcester, MA runs 969 mi — about 18h 19m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
969 mi · 18h 19m by car · MA → CT → NY → PA → OH → IN → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | MA → CT → NY → PA → OH → IN → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 84, I 90 |
| Major cities en route | Springfield, Hartford, New Haven, Waterbury, Bridgeport |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Joliet | Worcester | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 102.523 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 155.206 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 97.015 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 113.001 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Worcester and Joliet is within ±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) — plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Worcester is 1.0% above Joliet — $259,875 vs $430,112 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Joliet +1.9%, Worcester +1.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Joliet | Worcester |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50°F | 48°F |
| January avg low | 17°F | 17°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 80°F |
| Annual snowfall | 16.9" | 72.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 38.0" | 48.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Joliet (50.4°F) and Worcester (48.1°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Worcester averages 72.9 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, WORCESTER RGNL AP, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Joliet | Worcester |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,785 | 205,501 |
| Median household income | $88,026 | $67,544 |
| Median age | 35.3 | 34.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.6 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 1.0% between Joliet and Worcester (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Massachusetts
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Massachusetts'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
- You are moving to a much snowier climate — Worcester averages 72.9 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 Massachusetts after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
What is the climate difference between Joliet and Worcester?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 48.1°F in Worcester vs 50.4°F in Joliet (2.3°F colder). Annual snowfall: 72.9 in vs 16.9 in. Annual precipitation: 48.3 in vs 38.0 in.
How does household income compare in Joliet vs Worcester?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,544 in Worcester vs $88,026 in Joliet — a 23.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Worcester more expensive than Joliet?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Worcester is 1.0% lower than Joliet (102.523 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Worcester, MA from Joliet, IL?
The driving distance is 969 mi and the route typically takes 18h 19m 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 Worcester compared to Joliet?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $430,112 in Worcester vs $259,875 in Joliet — a 65.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Joliet to Worcester?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 969 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 · Worcester, MA.