Moving from South Fulton, GA to Joliet, IL
The drive from South Fulton, GA to Joliet, IL runs 708 mi — about 13h 51m 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.
708 mi · 13h 51m by car · IL → IN → KY → TN → GA
Distance & route
| Route through | IL → IN → KY → TN → GA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 65, I 75, SR 111 |
| 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
| South Fulton | 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 South Fulton 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 · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: South Fulton —, Joliet +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | South Fulton | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64°F | 50°F |
| January avg low | 36°F | 17°F |
| July avg high | 90°F | 84°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.2" | 16.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 50.4" | 38.0" |
Climate cools by 13.2°F on the annual average — 63.6°F → 50.4°F.
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: ATLANTA HARTSFIELD INTL AP, GA US, JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | South Fulton | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 109,157 | 149,785 |
| Median household income | $81,798 | $88,026 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.2% | 16% |
| Avg household size | 2.76 | 2.96 |
Income steps up 3.5%: $81,798 in South Fulton 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 — 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 (13.2°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 far is Joliet, IL from South Fulton, GA?
The driving distance is 708 mi and the route typically takes 13h 51m via I 65 and I 75. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from South Fulton 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 708 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 South Fulton?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Joliet MSA vs $48,370 in the South Fulton 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.
What is the climate difference between South Fulton and Joliet?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 50.4°F in Joliet vs 63.6°F in South Fulton (13.2°F colder). Annual snowfall: 16.9 in vs 2.2 in. Annual precipitation: 38.0 in vs 50.4 in.
Is Joliet more expensive than South Fulton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Joliet is 3.5% higher than South Fulton (103.595 vs 100.058, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in South Fulton vs Joliet?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,026 in Joliet vs $81,798 in South Fulton — a 7.6% 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 South Fulton.
City profiles: South Fulton, GA · Joliet, IL.