Moving from Milwaukee, WI to Joliet, IL
Moving from Milwaukee, WI to Joliet, IL covers 125 mi and about 2h 36m by car through 2 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully — the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
125 mi · 2h 36m by car · WI → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | WI → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, I 294, I 55 |
| Major cities en route | Elgin, Chicago, Naperville, Aurora |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Milwaukee | Joliet | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 96.937 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 91.59 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 97.111 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 96.937 in Milwaukee to 103.595 in Joliet, a 6.9% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing step-up: Joliet at $259,875 is 6.9% above Milwaukee at $220,137.
YoY change: Milwaukee +3.6%, Joliet +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Milwaukee | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 50°F |
| January avg low | 14°F | 17°F |
| July avg high | 83°F | 84°F |
| Annual snowfall | 39.5" | 16.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 33.8" | 38.0" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 16.9 in of snowfall annually at Joliet.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: MT MARY COLLEGE, WI US, JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Milwaukee | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 569,756 | 149,785 |
| Median household income | $51,888 | $88,026 |
| Median age | 32.2 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.2% | 16% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.96 |
Median household income in Joliet is 6.9% above Milwaukee ($51,888 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 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 — 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
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin — 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 — 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 does the job market in Joliet compare to Milwaukee?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Joliet MSA vs $48,460 in the Milwaukee MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 814,950 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Joliet more expensive than Milwaukee?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Joliet is 6.9% higher than Milwaukee (103.595 vs 96.937, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Milwaukee 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 125 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between Milwaukee and Joliet?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 50.4°F in Joliet vs 48.3°F in Milwaukee (2.1°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 16.9 in vs 39.5 in. Annual precipitation: 38.0 in vs 33.8 in.
How far is Joliet, IL from Milwaukee, WI?
The driving distance is 125 mi and the route typically takes 2h 36m via I 94 and I 294. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Joliet compared to Milwaukee?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $259,875 in Joliet vs $220,137 in Milwaukee — a 18.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Milwaukee vs Joliet?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,026 in Joliet vs $51,888 in Milwaukee — a 69.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Milwaukee.
City profiles: Milwaukee, WI · Joliet, IL.