Moving from McKinney, TX to Joliet, IL
A move from McKinney, TX to Joliet, IL covers 855 mi and around 15h 56m of driving through 4 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
855 mi Β· 15h 56m by car Β· TX β OK β MO β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β OK β MO β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 44, I 55, US 69 |
| Major cities en route | Dallas, Plano, Irving, Garland, Frisco |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| McKinney | Joliet | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for McKinney (103.09) and Joliet (103.595) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Joliet: 0.5% below McKinney on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: McKinney -6.9%, Joliet +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | McKinney | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 65Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 17Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 16.9" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 38.0" |
Joliet is 14.5Β°F cooler on the annual average (64.9Β°F vs 50.4Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Heavy-snow city: expect 16.9 in of snowfall annually at Joliet.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MCKINNEY MUNICIPAL AIRPORT, TX US, JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | McKinney | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 202,314 | 149,785 |
| Median household income | $120,273 | $88,026 |
| Median age | 36.7 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 34.1% | 16% |
| Avg household size | 2.86 | 2.96 |
Median household income in Joliet is 0.5% below McKinney ($120,273 vs $88,026, ACS 5-year 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 Texas 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.
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.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (14.5Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 much do homes cost in Joliet compared to McKinney?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $259,875 in Joliet vs $481,963 in McKinney β a 46.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in McKinney vs Joliet?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,026 in Joliet vs $120,273 in McKinney β a 26.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from McKinney to Joliet?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 855 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Joliet, IL from McKinney, TX?
The driving distance is 855 mi and the route typically takes 15h 56m via I 44 and I 55. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Joliet more expensive than McKinney?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Joliet is 0.5% higher than McKinney (103.595 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Joliet compare to McKinney?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Joliet MSA vs $48,440 in the McKinney MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from McKinney.
City profiles: McKinney, TX Β· Joliet, IL.