Moving from Las Cruces, NM to Joliet, IL
Relocating 1405 mi from Las Cruces to Joliet is a 25h 46m drive through 5 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1405 mi · 25h 46m by car · IL → MO → OK → TX → NM
Distance & route
| Route through | IL → MO → OK → TX → NM |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 44, US 70, US 50 |
| Major cities en route | Aurora, Naperville, Springfield, St Louis, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Las Cruces | Joliet | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.212 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 77.918 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.144 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 62.982 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 14.8% higher cost of living — rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect around 14.8% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Las Cruces -0.4%, Joliet +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
Climate normals not available (no NOAA station within range for one city).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Las Cruces | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 112,612 | 149,785 |
| Median household income | $55,176 | $88,026 |
| Median age | 32.7 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.2% | 16% |
| Avg household size | 2.41 | 2.96 |
Expect median household income to rise 14.8% — $55,176 → $88,026 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Joliet MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 519,810 | $46,540 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 497,550 | $41,020 |
| Management Occupations | 405,130 | $125,280 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 386,070 | $38,490 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 368,000 | $33,540 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between New Mexico and Illinois
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Illinois'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
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Joliet averages 16.9 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 Illinois after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Joliet, IL from Las Cruces, NM?
The driving distance is 1405 mi and the route typically takes 25h 46m via I 44 and US 70. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Las Cruces to Joliet?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1405 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Las Cruces vs Joliet?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,026 in Joliet vs $55,176 in Las Cruces — a 59.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Joliet compared to Las Cruces?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $259,875 in Joliet vs $290,023 in Las Cruces — a 10.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Joliet compare to Las Cruces?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Joliet MSA vs $37,690 in the Las Cruces MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 75,470 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Joliet more expensive than Las Cruces?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Joliet is 14.8% higher than Las Cruces (103.595 vs 90.212, 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 Las Cruces.
City profiles: Las Cruces, NM · Joliet, IL.