Moving from Wichita, KS to Joliet, IL
Relocating 668 mi from Wichita to Joliet is a 12h 11m drive through 3 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.
668 mi · 12h 11m by car · KS → MO → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | KS → MO → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 36, MO 110, I 55 |
| Major cities en route | Topeka, Olathe, Overland Park, Kansas City, Kansas City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Wichita | Joliet | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.946 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.459 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 66.245 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 16.5% higher cost of living — rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 16.5% higher home prices — ZHVI goes from $202,720 to $259,875 moving to Joliet.
YoY change: Wichita +2.2%, Joliet +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Wichita | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58°F | 50°F |
| January avg low | 23°F | 17°F |
| July avg high | 93°F | 84°F |
| Annual snowfall | 12.7" | 16.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 34.3" | 38.0" |
Expect 7.3°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Joliet averages 16.9 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: WICHITA, KS US, JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Wichita | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 396,488 | 149,785 |
| Median household income | $63,072 | $88,026 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.7% | 16% |
| Avg household size | 2.52 | 2.96 |
Expect median household income to rise 16.5% — $63,072 → $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 Kansas 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.
- 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 Wichita, KS?
The driving distance is 668 mi and the route typically takes 12h 11m via US 36 and MO 110. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Joliet compare to Wichita?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Joliet MSA vs $44,790 in the Wichita MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 303,910 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Wichita and Joliet?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 50.4°F in Joliet vs 57.7°F in Wichita (7.3°F colder). Annual snowfall: 16.9 in vs 12.7 in. Annual precipitation: 38.0 in vs 34.3 in.
When is the best time to move from Wichita 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 668 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Joliet more expensive than Wichita?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Joliet is 16.5% higher than Wichita (103.595 vs 88.946, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Joliet compared to Wichita?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $259,875 in Joliet vs $202,720 in Wichita — a 28.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Wichita vs Joliet?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,026 in Joliet vs $63,072 in Wichita — a 39.6% 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 Wichita.
City profiles: Wichita, KS · Joliet, IL.