Moving from Plano, TX to Joliet, IL
A move from Plano, TX to Joliet, IL covers 868 mi and around 16h 10m of driving through 4 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.
868 mi Β· 16h 10m by car Β· TX β OK β MO β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β OK β MO β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 44, I 55, US 69 |
| Major cities en route | Dallas, Irving, Frisco, Grand Prairie, Denton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Plano | Joliet | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Plano (103.09) and Joliet (103.595) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Joliet: 0.5% below Plano on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Plano -5.3%, Joliet +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Plano | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 17Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 16.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 41.9" | 38.0" |
Major climate step-down: 15.4Β°F cooler annual average in Joliet vs Plano.
Heavy-snow city: expect 16.9 in of snowfall annually at Joliet.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RICHARDSON, TX US, JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Plano | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 287,339 | 149,785 |
| Median household income | $108,649 | $88,026 |
| Median age | 39.3 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 35.1% | 16% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.96 |
Median household income in Joliet is 0.5% below Plano ($108,649 β $88,026, 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 Texas 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.
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 (15.4Β°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 much do homes cost in Joliet compared to Plano?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $259,875 in Joliet vs $498,989 in Plano β a 47.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Joliet, IL from Plano, TX?
The driving distance is 868 mi and the route typically takes 16h 10m via I 44 and I 55. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Plano to Joliet?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 868 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Plano vs Joliet?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,026 in Joliet vs $108,649 in Plano β a 19.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Joliet compare to Plano?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Joliet MSA vs $48,440 in the Plano MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Joliet more expensive than Plano?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Joliet is 0.5% higher than Plano (103.595 vs 103.09, 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 Plano.
City profiles: Plano, TX Β· Joliet, IL.