Moving from Dayton, OH to Joliet, IL
Moving from Dayton, OH to Joliet, IL covers 303 mi and about 5h 58m by car through 3 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully — the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
303 mi · 5h 58m by car · IL → IN → OH
Distance & route
| Route through | IL → IN → OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 65, I 70, I 80 |
| Major cities en route | Aurora, Naperville, Chicago |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Dayton | Joliet | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.694 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 95.388 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 72.712 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Joliet is 11.8% higher than Dayton, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Joliet is 11.8% above Dayton — $136,592 vs $259,875 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Dayton +1.4%, Joliet +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Dayton | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 50°F |
| January avg low | 20°F | 17°F |
| July avg high | 87°F | 84°F |
| Annual snowfall | 12.3" | 16.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 41.7" | 38.0" |
Annual average temperatures in Dayton (53.3°F) and Joliet (50.4°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA 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: DAYTON MCD, OH US, JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Dayton | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,741 | 149,785 |
| Median household income | $43,454 | $88,026 |
| Median age | 34.2 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.9% | 16% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.96 |
Median household income in Joliet is 11.8% above Dayton ($43,454 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 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 — 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
When is the best time to move from Dayton 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 303 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Joliet more expensive than Dayton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Joliet is 11.8% higher than Dayton (103.595 vs 92.694, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Dayton vs Joliet?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,026 in Joliet vs $43,454 in Dayton — a 102.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Dayton and Joliet?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 50.4°F in Joliet vs 53.3°F in Dayton (2.9°F colder). Annual snowfall: 16.9 in vs 12.3 in. Annual precipitation: 38.0 in vs 41.7 in.
How far is Joliet, IL from Dayton, OH?
The driving distance is 303 mi and the route typically takes 5h 58m via I 65 and I 70. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Joliet compared to Dayton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $259,875 in Joliet vs $136,592 in Dayton — a 90.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Dayton.
City profiles: Dayton, OH · Joliet, IL.