Moving from Rio Rancho, NM to Joliet, IL
Relocating 1311 mi from Rio Rancho to Joliet is a 23h 17m drive through 5 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1311 mi Β· 23h 17m by car Β· IL β MO β OK β TX β NM
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β MO β OK β TX β NM |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 44, US 50 |
| Major cities en route | Aurora, Naperville, Springfield, St Louis, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Rio Rancho | Joliet | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.546 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 77.852 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.144 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 89.153 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Joliet runs about 8.4% more expensive overall than Rio Rancho β RPP 95.546 β 103.595.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $361,856 in Rio Rancho to $259,875 in Joliet, a 8.4% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Rio Rancho +0.3%, Joliet +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Rio Rancho | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 24Β°F | 17Β°F |
| July avg high | 96Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 16.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 9.5" | 38.0" |
Expect 7.6Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Joliet sees 16.9 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RIO RANCHO #2, NM US, JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Rio Rancho | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 106,533 | 149,785 |
| Median household income | $85,755 | $88,026 |
| Median age | 39 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.7% | 16% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.96 |
Household income lines up β $85,755 vs $88,026 on 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 Mexico 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.
Winter driving along this route
- 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 β 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
When is the best time to move from Rio Rancho to Joliet?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1311 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Joliet compare to Rio Rancho?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Joliet MSA vs $44,780 in the Rio Rancho MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 396,030 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Joliet compared to Rio Rancho?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $259,875 in Joliet vs $361,856 in Rio Rancho β a 28.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Joliet, IL from Rio Rancho, NM?
The driving distance is 1311 mi and the route typically takes 23h 17m via I 40 and I 44. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Joliet more expensive than Rio Rancho?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Joliet is 8.4% higher than Rio Rancho (103.595 vs 95.546, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Rio Rancho vs Joliet?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,026 in Joliet vs $85,755 in Rio Rancho β a 2.6% 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 Rio Rancho.
City profiles: Rio Rancho, NM Β· Joliet, IL.