Moving from Joliet, IL to Yonkers, NY
The drive from Joliet, IL to Yonkers, NY runs 816 mi — about 15h 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.
816 mi · 15h 19m by car · NY → NJ → PA → OH → IN → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | NY → NJ → PA → OH → IN → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 294 |
| Major cities en route | Stamford, New York, Jersey City, Newark, Paterson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Joliet | Yonkers | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Yonkers is 8.7% higher than Joliet, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Yonkers is 8.7% above Joliet — $259,875 vs $680,218 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Joliet +1.9%, Yonkers +5.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Joliet | Yonkers |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 17°F | 23°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 16.9" | 32.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 38.0" | 51.2" |
Annual average temperatures in Joliet (50.4°F) and Yonkers (53.4°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Yonkers averages 32.7 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, DOBBS FERRY-ARDSLEY, NY US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Joliet | Yonkers |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,785 | 209,529 |
| Median household income | $88,026 | $81,816 |
| Median age | 35.3 | 39 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16% | 19.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.6 |
Income steps down 8.7%: $88,026 in Joliet vs $81,816 in Yonkers.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Yonkers MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 1,165,200 | $50,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 806,590 | $46,160 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 755,900 | $44,800 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 755,280 | $37,670 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 725,930 | $100,940 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and New York
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New York'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: Yonkers averages 32.7 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Pack rain gear on top: Yonkers averages 51.2 in of annual precipitation — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- 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 New York after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Yonkers compared to Joliet?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $680,218 in Yonkers vs $259,875 in Joliet — a 161.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Joliet to Yonkers?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 816 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 Yonkers?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,816 in Yonkers vs $88,026 in Joliet — a 7.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Joliet and Yonkers?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 53.4°F in Yonkers vs 50.4°F in Joliet (3.0°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 32.7 in vs 16.9 in. Annual precipitation: 51.2 in vs 38.0 in.
How far is Yonkers, NY from Joliet, IL?
The driving distance is 816 mi and the route typically takes 15h 19m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Yonkers compare to Joliet?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Yonkers MSA vs $49,790 in the Joliet MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Yonkers more expensive than Joliet?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Yonkers is 8.7% higher than Joliet (112.563 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Joliet.
City profiles: Joliet, IL · Yonkers, NY.