Moving from Savannah, GA to Joliet, IL
The drive from Savannah, GA to Joliet, IL runs 946 mi — about 18h 8m 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.
946 mi · 18h 8m by car · IL → IN → KY → TN → GA
Distance & route
| Route through | IL → IN → KY → TN → GA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 65, I 75, I 16 |
| Major cities en route | Aurora, Naperville, Chicago, Chattanooga, Sandy Springs |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Savannah | Joliet | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.206 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.603 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.269 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.012 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 95.206 in Savannah to 103.595 in Joliet, a 8.8% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Joliet: 8.8% below Savannah on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Savannah -3.5%, Joliet +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Savannah | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68°F | 50°F |
| January avg low | 40°F | 17°F |
| July avg high | 92°F | 84°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 16.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.1" | 38.0" |
Major climate step-down: 17.1°F cooler annual average in Joliet vs Savannah.
Heavy-snow city: expect 16.9 in of snowfall annually at Joliet.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: SAVANNAH INTL AP, GA US, JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Savannah | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 147,546 | 149,785 |
| Median household income | $56,782 | $88,026 |
| Median age | 33.7 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.6% | 16% |
| Avg household size | 2.52 | 2.96 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 8.8% between Savannah and Joliet (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 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 — 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-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 — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (17.1°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 Savannah?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Joliet MSA vs $43,490 in the Savannah MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 188,970 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Savannah 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 946 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Joliet, IL from Savannah, GA?
The driving distance is 946 mi and the route typically takes 18h 8m via I 65 and I 75. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Savannah and Joliet?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 50.4°F in Joliet vs 67.5°F in Savannah (17.1°F colder). Annual snowfall: 16.9 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 38.0 in vs 48.1 in.
How does household income compare in Savannah vs Joliet?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,026 in Joliet vs $56,782 in Savannah — a 55.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Joliet compared to Savannah?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $259,875 in Joliet vs $326,509 in Savannah — a 20.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Joliet more expensive than Savannah?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Joliet is 8.8% higher than Savannah (103.595 vs 95.206, 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 Savannah.
City profiles: Savannah, GA · Joliet, IL.