Moving from Cleveland, OH to Joliet, IL
Relocating between Cleveland, OH and Joliet, IL is a 357 mi drive β 6h 47m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
357 mi Β· 6h 47m by car Β· OH β IN β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β IN β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 80, I 294 |
| Major cities en route | Akron, Toledo, South Bend, Chicago, Naperville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cleveland | Joliet | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.923 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.967 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.434 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Joliet runs about 10.3% more expensive overall than Cleveland β RPP 93.923 β 103.595.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $115,537 in Cleveland to $259,875 in Joliet, a 10.3% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Cleveland -1.9%, Joliet +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cleveland | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 24Β°F | 17Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 16.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 33.3" | 38.0" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 52.3Β°F vs 50.4Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Joliet sees 16.9 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CLEVELAND BURKE AP, OH US, JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cleveland | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 367,523 | 149,785 |
| Median household income | $39,187 | $88,026 |
| Median age | 36.3 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.5% | 16% |
| Avg household size | 2.18 | 2.96 |
Expect median household income to rise 10.3% β $39,187 β $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 Ohio 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.
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 Cleveland vs Joliet?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,026 in Joliet vs $39,187 in Cleveland β a 124.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Joliet more expensive than Cleveland?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Joliet is 10.3% higher than Cleveland (103.595 vs 93.923, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Cleveland to Joliet?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 357 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Joliet compared to Cleveland?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $259,875 in Joliet vs $115,537 in Cleveland β a 124.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Joliet, IL from Cleveland, OH?
The driving distance is 357 mi and the route typically takes 6h 47m via I 90 and I 80. The trip crosses 3 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 Cleveland.
City profiles: Cleveland, OH Β· Joliet, IL.