Moving from Madison, WI to Joliet, IL
Relocating between Madison, WI and Joliet, IL is a 170 mi drive β 3h 26m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
170 mi Β· 3h 26m by car Β· WI β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 39, I 355 |
| Major cities en route | Rockford, Elgin, Chicago, Naperville, Aurora |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Madison | Joliet | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.287 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.825 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.748 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 6.5% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 6.5% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $423,767 to $259,875 moving to Joliet.
YoY change: Madison +2.4%, Joliet +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Madison | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 17Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 16.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.2" | 38.0" |
Annual average temperatures in Madison (47.2Β°F) and Joliet (50.4Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Joliet averages 16.9 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: UW ARBORETUM - MADISON, WI US, JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Madison | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 275,568 | 149,785 |
| Median household income | $76,983 | $88,026 |
| Median age | 31.8 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.5% | 16% |
| Avg household size | 2.19 | 2.96 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 6.5% higher in Joliet than Madison.
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 Wisconsin 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 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.
Winter driving along this route
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
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 β 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
Is Joliet more expensive than Madison?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Joliet is 6.5% higher than Madison (103.595 vs 97.287, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Madison to Joliet?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 170 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Madison vs Joliet?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,026 in Joliet vs $76,983 in Madison β a 14.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Joliet, IL from Madison, WI?
The driving distance is 170 mi and the route typically takes 3h 26m via I 90 and I 39. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Joliet compare to Madison?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Joliet MSA vs $50,910 in the Madison MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 396,960 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Joliet compared to Madison?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $259,875 in Joliet vs $423,767 in Madison β a 38.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Madison.
City profiles: Madison, WI Β· Joliet, IL.