Moving from Waco, TX to Joliet, IL
A move from Waco, TX to Joliet, IL covers 983 mi and around 18h 14m of driving through 4 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
983 mi · 18h 14m by car · IL → MO → OK → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | IL → MO → OK → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 44, US 69, 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
| Waco | Joliet | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.55 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 80.967 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 83.531 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 92.55 in Waco to 103.595 in Joliet, a 11.9% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Joliet: 11.9% above Waco on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Waco -2.3%, Joliet +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Waco | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67°F | 50°F |
| January avg low | 36°F | 17°F |
| July avg high | 95°F | 84°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 16.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.5" | 38.0" |
Major climate step-down: 16.2°F cooler annual average in Joliet vs Waco.
Heavy-snow city: expect 16.9 in of snowfall annually at Joliet.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: WACO DAM, TX US, JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Waco | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 141,925 | 149,785 |
| Median household income | $51,468 | $88,026 |
| Median age | 29.2 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.4% | 16% |
| Avg household size | 2.68 | 2.96 |
Median household income in Joliet is 11.9% above Waco ($51,468 vs $88,026, 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 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 (16.2°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
Is Joliet more expensive than Waco?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Joliet is 11.9% higher than Waco (103.595 vs 92.55, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Joliet compared to Waco?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $259,875 in Joliet vs $194,245 in Waco — a 33.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Waco vs Joliet?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,026 in Joliet vs $51,468 in Waco — a 71.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Joliet compare to Waco?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Joliet MSA vs $41,030 in the Waco MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 125,640 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Waco and Joliet?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 50.4°F in Joliet vs 66.6°F in Waco (16.2°F colder). Annual snowfall: 16.9 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 38.0 in vs 37.5 in.
When is the best time to move from Waco 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 983 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Joliet, IL from Waco, TX?
The driving distance is 983 mi and the route typically takes 18h 14m via I 44 and US 69. The trip crosses 4 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 Waco.
City profiles: Waco, TX · Joliet, IL.