Moving from San Antonio, TX to Joliet, IL
Relocating 1160 mi from San Antonio to Joliet is a 21h 21m drive through 4 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.
1160 mi · 21h 21m by car · TX → OK → MO → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | TX → OK → MO → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 44, I 55, US 69 |
| Major cities en route | Austin, Round Rock, Killeen, Waco, Arlington |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| San Antonio | Joliet | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 94.716 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.169 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 94.575 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Joliet runs about 9.4% more expensive overall than San Antonio — RPP 94.716 → 103.595.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI for Joliet ($259,875) sits close to San Antonio ($249,810) — no material housing gap.
YoY change: San Antonio -2.7%, Joliet +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | San Antonio | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 69°F | 50°F |
| January avg low | 40°F | 17°F |
| July avg high | 94°F | 84°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.1" | 16.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 34.0" | 38.0" |
Annual average temperature drops 18.6°F — 69.0°F in San Antonio vs 50.4°F in Joliet, per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Joliet sees 16.9 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: SAN ANTONIO INCARNATE WORD, TX US, JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | San Antonio | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,458,954 | 149,785 |
| Median household income | $62,917 | $88,026 |
| Median age | 34.6 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.7% | 16% |
| Avg household size | 2.66 | 2.96 |
Expect median household income to rise 9.4% — $62,917 → $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 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 — 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.
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 (18.6°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 San Antonio and Joliet?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 50.4°F in Joliet vs 69.0°F in San Antonio (18.6°F colder). Annual snowfall: 16.9 in vs 0.1 in. Annual precipitation: 38.0 in vs 34.0 in.
When is the best time to move from San Antonio 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 1160 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 San Antonio?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Joliet MSA vs $44,390 in the San Antonio MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 1,091,510 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Joliet more expensive than San Antonio?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Joliet is 9.4% higher than San Antonio (103.595 vs 94.716, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in San Antonio vs Joliet?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,026 in Joliet vs $62,917 in San Antonio — a 39.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Joliet, IL from San Antonio, TX?
The driving distance is 1160 mi and the route typically takes 21h 21m via I 44 and I 55. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Joliet compared to San Antonio?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $259,875 in Joliet vs $249,810 in San Antonio — a 4.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from San Antonio.
City profiles: San Antonio, TX · Joliet, IL.