Moving from Newark, NJ to Joliet, IL
A move from Newark, NJ to Joliet, IL covers 795 mi and around 14h 53m of driving through 5 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.
795 mi · 14h 53m by car · NJ → PA → OH → IN → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | NJ → PA → OH → IN → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 280 |
| Major cities en route | New York, Jersey City, Elizabeth, Yonkers, Paterson |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Newark | Joliet | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 112.563 to 103.595, putting Joliet roughly 8.0% below Newark on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Joliet: 8.0% below Newark on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Newark -0.8%, Joliet +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Newark | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55°F | 50°F |
| January avg low | 25°F | 17°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 84°F |
| Annual snowfall | 28.2" | 16.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 50.4" | 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: HARRISON, NJ US, JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Newark | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 307,188 | 149,785 |
| Median household income | $48,416 | $88,026 |
| Median age | 34.8 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.2% | 16% |
| Avg household size | 2.7 | 2.96 |
Median household income in Joliet is 8.0% above Newark ($48,416 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 New Jersey 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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy 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 — 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
What is the climate difference between Newark and Joliet?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 50.4°F in Joliet vs 54.8°F in Newark (4.4°F colder). Annual snowfall: 16.9 in vs 28.2 in. Annual precipitation: 38.0 in vs 50.4 in.
How far is Joliet, IL from Newark, NJ?
The driving distance is 795 mi and the route typically takes 14h 53m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Joliet compare to Newark?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Joliet MSA vs $59,390 in the Newark MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Joliet more expensive than Newark?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Joliet is 8.0% lower than Newark (103.595 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Joliet compared to Newark?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $259,875 in Joliet vs $478,455 in Newark — a 45.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Newark 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 795 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Newark vs Joliet?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,026 in Joliet vs $48,416 in Newark — a 81.8% 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 Newark.
City profiles: Newark, NJ · Joliet, IL.