Moving from North Charleston, SC to Joliet, IL
Relocating 891 mi from North Charleston to Joliet is a 17h 8m drive through 6 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
891 mi · 17h 8m by car · IL → IN → KY → TN → NC → SC
Distance & route
| Route through | IL → IN → KY → TN → NC → SC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 65, I 26, US 74 |
| Major cities en route | Aurora, Naperville, Chicago, Columbia, Charleston |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| North Charleston | Joliet | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.962 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.212 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.339 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 119.77 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 100.962 vs 103.595 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect around 2.6% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: North Charleston -2.5%, Joliet +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | North Charleston | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67°F | 50°F |
| January avg low | 39°F | 17°F |
| July avg high | 91°F | 84°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.3" | 16.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 52.5" | 38.0" |
Expect 16.1°F colder on average per year — plan for heating load and winter gear.
Joliet averages 16.9 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: CHARLESTON INTL AP, SC US, JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | North Charleston | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 117,460 | 149,785 |
| Median household income | $62,789 | $88,026 |
| Median age | 34.3 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.2% | 16% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.96 |
Expect median household income to rise 2.6% — $62,789 → $88,026 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 South Carolina 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
- 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.
- I-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade 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 — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (16.1°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 North Charleston?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Joliet is 2.6% higher than North Charleston (103.595 vs 100.962, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Joliet compared to North Charleston?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $259,875 in Joliet vs $309,522 in North Charleston — a 16.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Joliet compare to North Charleston?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Joliet MSA vs $46,130 in the North Charleston MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 374,860 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from North Charleston 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 891 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between North Charleston and Joliet?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 50.4°F in Joliet vs 66.5°F in North Charleston (16.1°F colder). Annual snowfall: 16.9 in vs 0.3 in. Annual precipitation: 38.0 in vs 52.5 in.
How does household income compare in North Charleston vs Joliet?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,026 in Joliet vs $62,789 in North Charleston — a 40.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Joliet, IL from North Charleston, SC?
The driving distance is 891 mi and the route typically takes 17h 8m via I 65 and I 26. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from North Charleston.
City profiles: North Charleston, SC · Joliet, IL.