Moving from Peoria, AZ to Joliet, IL
It is 1749 mi and 30h 33m from Peoria to Joliet — a cross-country move across 6 states. Housing, cost of living, climate, and tax picture all tend to shift substantially at this distance. This page pulls the current figures from each federal source and Zillow Research into one comparison.
1749 mi · 30h 33m by car · AZ → NM → TX → OK → MO → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ → NM → TX → OK → MO → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 44, I 55 |
| Major cities en route | Surprise, Phoenix, Glendale, Scottsdale, Albuquerque |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Peoria | 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 |
Overall price level is comparable — 103.316 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 roughly 0.3% lower home prices — ZHVI goes from $488,596 to $259,875 moving to Joliet.
YoY change: Peoria -1.6%, Joliet +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Peoria | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 70°F | 50°F |
| January avg low | 39°F | 17°F |
| July avg high | 105°F | 84°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 16.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 9.6" | 38.0" |
Expect 19.8°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: WITTMANN 1SE, AZ US, JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Peoria | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 194,338 | 149,785 |
| Median household income | $93,403 | $88,026 |
| Median age | 42.1 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.6% | 16% |
| Avg household size | 2.66 | 2.96 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 0.3% lower in Joliet than Peoria.
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 — 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-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 — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (19.8°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
What is the climate difference between Peoria and Joliet?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 50.4°F in Joliet vs 70.2°F in Peoria (19.8°F colder). Annual snowfall: 16.9 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 38.0 in vs 9.6 in.
Is Joliet more expensive than Peoria?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Joliet is 0.3% higher than Peoria (103.595 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Joliet, IL from Peoria, AZ?
The driving distance is 1749 mi and the route typically takes 30h 33m via I 40 and I 44. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Peoria 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 1749 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Joliet compare to Peoria?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Joliet MSA vs $48,600 in the Peoria 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.
How does household income compare in Peoria vs Joliet?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,026 in Joliet vs $93,403 in Peoria — a 5.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Joliet compared to Peoria?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $259,875 in Joliet vs $488,596 in Peoria — a 46.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Peoria.
City profiles: Peoria, AZ · Joliet, IL.