Moving from Des Moines, IA to Joliet, IL
Moving from Des Moines, IA to Joliet, IL covers 307 mi and about 5h 40m by car through 2 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.
307 mi · 5h 40m by car · IA → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | IA → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 280, US 6 |
| Major cities en route | Cedar Rapids, Aurora, Naperville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Des Moines | Joliet | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.701 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.585 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.741 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 91.701 in Des Moines to 103.595 in Joliet, a 13.0% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Joliet: 13.0% above Des Moines on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Des Moines +0.8%, Joliet +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Des Moines | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51°F | 50°F |
| January avg low | 14°F | 17°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 84°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.5" | 16.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 36.6" | 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 1991–2020 (stations: DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US, JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Des Moines | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,464 | 149,785 |
| Median household income | $63,966 | $88,026 |
| Median age | 34.6 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 16% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.96 |
Median household income in Joliet is 13.0% above Des Moines ($63,966 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 Iowa 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 does the job market in Joliet compare to Des Moines?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Joliet MSA vs $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 383,190 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Des Moines vs Joliet?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,026 in Joliet vs $63,966 in Des Moines — a 37.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Joliet, IL from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance is 307 mi and the route typically takes 5h 40m via I 80 and I 280. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Des Moines 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 307 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Joliet compared to Des Moines?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $259,875 in Joliet vs $208,166 in Des Moines — a 24.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Des Moines and Joliet?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 50.4°F in Joliet vs 50.9°F in Des Moines (0.5°F colder). Annual snowfall: 16.9 in vs 36.5 in. Annual precipitation: 38.0 in vs 36.6 in.
Is Joliet more expensive than Des Moines?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Joliet is 13.0% higher than Des Moines (103.595 vs 91.701, 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 Des Moines.
City profiles: Des Moines, IA · Joliet, IL.