Moving from Miami Gardens, FL to Joliet, IL
The drive from Miami Gardens, FL to Joliet, IL runs 1347 mi β about 25h 18m 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.
1347 mi Β· 25h 18m by car Β· IL β IN β KY β TN β GA β FL
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β IN β KY β TN β GA β FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 75, I 65, GA 540 |
| Major cities en route | Aurora, Naperville, Chicago, Chattanooga, Sandy Springs |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Miami Gardens | Joliet | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 114.155 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 97.235 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.556 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 155.551 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Joliet are 9.3% below Miami Gardens β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Joliet typical home at $259,875 is 9.3% under Miami Gardens at $469,434 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Miami Gardens -2.9%, Joliet +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Miami Gardens | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 76Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 59Β°F | 17Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 16.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 68.3" | 38.0" |
NOAA normals show Joliet running 25.6Β°F below Miami Gardens on the annual mean.
Significant snow at the destination: Joliet sees 16.9 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: N MIAMI BEACH #2, FL US, JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Miami Gardens | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 111,264 | 149,785 |
| Median household income | $60,979 | $88,026 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 11.6% | 16% |
| Avg household size | 3.22 | 2.96 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 9.3% between Miami Gardens and Joliet (ACS 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 Florida 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-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements 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 (25.6Β°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 does household income compare in Miami Gardens vs Joliet?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,026 in Joliet vs $60,979 in Miami Gardens β a 44.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Miami Gardens to Joliet?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1347 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 Miami Gardens, FL?
The driving distance is 1347 mi and the route typically takes 25h 18m via I 75 and I 65. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Joliet compared to Miami Gardens?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $259,875 in Joliet vs $469,434 in Miami Gardens β a 44.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Joliet compare to Miami Gardens?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Joliet MSA vs $46,510 in the Miami Gardens MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 2,721,490 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Joliet more expensive than Miami Gardens?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Joliet is 9.3% lower than Miami Gardens (103.595 vs 114.155, 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 Miami Gardens.
City profiles: Miami Gardens, FL Β· Joliet, IL.