Moving from Sandy Springs, GA to Joliet, IL
The drive from Sandy Springs, GA to Joliet, IL runs 693 mi β about 13h 30m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
693 mi Β· 13h 30m by car Β· IL β IN β KY β TN β GA
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β IN β KY β TN β GA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 65, I 75, SR 111 |
| Major cities en route | Aurora, Naperville, Chicago, Chattanooga, Atlanta |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Sandy Springs | Joliet | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.058 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.239 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.416 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.022 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Joliet and Sandy Springs are close on the overall BEA RPP (100.058 vs 103.595); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Joliet typical home at $259,875 is 3.5% under Sandy Springs at $691,063 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Sandy Springs +2.8%, Joliet +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Sandy Springs | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 33Β°F | 17Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 16.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 51.4" | 38.0" |
Climate cools by 11.1Β°F on the annual average β 61.5Β°F β 50.4Β°F.
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: ATLANTA PEACHTREE AP, GA US, JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Sandy Springs | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,198 | 149,785 |
| Median household income | $101,593 | $88,026 |
| Median age | 37.1 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 39.8% | 16% |
| Avg household size | 2.06 | 2.96 |
Income steps down 3.5%: $101,593 in Sandy Springs vs $88,026 in Joliet.
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 Georgia 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
- 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.
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.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (11.1Β°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 does the job market in Joliet compare to Sandy Springs?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Joliet MSA vs $48,370 in the Sandy Springs MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 2,817,660 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Sandy Springs to Joliet?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 693 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 Sandy Springs vs Joliet?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,026 in Joliet vs $101,593 in Sandy Springs β a 13.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Joliet compared to Sandy Springs?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $259,875 in Joliet vs $691,063 in Sandy Springs β a 62.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Joliet more expensive than Sandy Springs?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Joliet is 3.5% higher than Sandy Springs (103.595 vs 100.058, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Joliet, IL from Sandy Springs, GA?
The driving distance is 693 mi and the route typically takes 13h 30m via I 65 and I 75. The trip crosses 5 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 Sandy Springs.
City profiles: Sandy Springs, GA Β· Joliet, IL.