Moving from Cambridge, MA to Joliet, IL
A move from Cambridge, MA to Joliet, IL covers 1004 mi and around 19h 3m of driving through 7 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.
1004 mi Β· 19h 3m by car Β· IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Aurora, Naperville, Chicago, South Bend, Toledo |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cambridge | Joliet | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Cambridge (108.266) and Joliet (103.595) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Joliet: 4.3% below Cambridge on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Cambridge -1.5%, Joliet +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cambridge | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 17Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 16.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 49.4" | 38.0" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 16.9 in of snowfall annually at Joliet.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: JAMAICA PLAIN, MA US, JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cambridge | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 117,794 | 149,785 |
| Median household income | $126,469 | $88,026 |
| Median age | 30.5 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.8% | 16% |
| Avg household size | 2.38 | 2.96 |
Median household income in Joliet is 4.3% below Cambridge ($126,469 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 Massachusetts 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 β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% 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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
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 β 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 does household income compare in Cambridge vs Joliet?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,026 in Joliet vs $126,469 in Cambridge β a 30.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Joliet, IL from Cambridge, MA?
The driving distance is 1004 mi and the route typically takes 19h 3m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Joliet compared to Cambridge?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $259,875 in Joliet vs $1,041,569 in Cambridge β a 75.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Cambridge to Joliet?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1004 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Joliet more expensive than Cambridge?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Joliet is 4.3% lower than Cambridge (103.595 vs 108.266, 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 Cambridge.
City profiles: Cambridge, MA Β· Joliet, IL.