Moving from Birmingham, AL to Joliet, IL
Relocating 672 mi from Birmingham to Joliet is a 12h 35m drive through 5 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.
672 mi · 12h 35m by car · AL → TN → KY → IN → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | AL → TN → KY → IN → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 65, I 80, I 94 |
| Major cities en route | Huntsville, Murfreesboro, Chicago, Naperville, Aurora |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Birmingham | Joliet | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.644 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.803 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 71.851 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 13.0% 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 13.0% higher home prices — ZHVI goes from $135,870 to $259,875 moving to Joliet.
YoY change: Birmingham -2.5%, Joliet +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Birmingham | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64°F | 50°F |
| January avg low | 35°F | 17°F |
| July avg high | 91°F | 84°F |
| Annual snowfall | 1.4" | 16.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 56.6" | 38.0" |
Expect 13.5°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: BIRMINGHAM AP, AL US, JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Birmingham | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 199,322 | 149,785 |
| Median household income | $44,376 | $88,026 |
| Median age | 35.9 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.4% | 16% |
| Avg household size | 2.25 | 2.96 |
Expect median household income to rise 13.0% — $44,376 → $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 Alabama 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-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees 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 (13.5°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 Birmingham?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Joliet is 13.0% higher than Birmingham (103.595 vs 91.644, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Joliet, IL from Birmingham, AL?
The driving distance is 672 mi and the route typically takes 12h 35m via I 65 and I 80. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Joliet compared to Birmingham?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $259,875 in Joliet vs $135,870 in Birmingham — a 91.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Birmingham vs Joliet?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,026 in Joliet vs $44,376 in Birmingham — a 98.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Birmingham 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 672 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 Birmingham?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Joliet MSA vs $44,830 in the Birmingham MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 509,200 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Birmingham and Joliet?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 50.4°F in Joliet vs 63.9°F in Birmingham (13.5°F colder). Annual snowfall: 16.9 in vs 1.4 in. Annual precipitation: 38.0 in vs 56.6 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Birmingham.
City profiles: Birmingham, AL · Joliet, IL.