Moving from Mesa, AZ to Joliet, IL
A 1703 mi cross-country move between Mesa and Joliet is 30h 28m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 6 states. Nearly every household line β rent, taxes, climate, commute β usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
1703 mi Β· 30h 28m by car Β· AZ β NM β TX β OK β MO β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β TX β OK β MO β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, AZ 77, I 44 |
| Major cities en route | Gilbert, Chandler, Glendale, Tempe, Phoenix |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Mesa | Joliet | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
0.3% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Mesa -1.8%, Joliet +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Mesa | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 72Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 41Β°F | 17Β°F |
| July avg high | 106Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 16.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 10.8" | 38.0" |
Annual average temperature gap of 21.9Β°F β a meaningful climate change across the move.
Heavy-snow city: expect 16.9 in of snowfall annually at Joliet.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: E MESA, AZ US, JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Mesa | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 507,478 | 149,785 |
| Median household income | $78,779 | $88,026 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.9% | 16% |
| Avg household size | 2.59 | 2.96 |
Households in Joliet earn about 0.3% more at the median β 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 Arizona 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
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- 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 β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (21.9Β°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
Is Joliet more expensive than Mesa?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Joliet is 0.3% higher than Mesa (103.595 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Joliet, IL from Mesa, AZ?
The driving distance is 1703 mi and the route typically takes 30h 28m via I 40 and AZ 77. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Mesa vs Joliet?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,026 in Joliet vs $78,779 in Mesa β a 11.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Joliet compared to Mesa?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $259,875 in Joliet vs $435,134 in Mesa β a 40.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Mesa to Joliet?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1703 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Joliet compare to Mesa?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Joliet MSA vs $48,600 in the Mesa MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 2,289,130 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 Mesa.
City profiles: Mesa, AZ Β· Joliet, IL.