Moving from Green Bay, WI to Joliet, IL
The 236 mi from Green Bay to Joliet translate to about 4h 38m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
236 mi Β· 4h 38m by car Β· IL β WI
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β WI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 43, WI 57, I 294 |
| Major cities en route | Aurora, Naperville, Chicago, Elgin, Milwaukee |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Green Bay | Joliet | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.086 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.041 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 74.696 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 93.086 in Green Bay to 103.595 in Joliet, a 11.3% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing drop: Joliet ZHVI at $259,875 is 11.3% below Green Bay at $278,024.
YoY change: Green Bay +5.9%, Joliet +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Green Bay | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 45Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 9Β°F | 17Β°F |
| July avg high | 80Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 16.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 32.4" | 38.0" |
Climate warms by 5.7Β°F on the annual average β 44.7Β°F β 50.4Β°F.
Heavy-snow city: expect 16.9 in of snowfall annually at Joliet.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: GREEN BAY BOTANICAL, WI US, JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Green Bay | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 106,585 | 149,785 |
| Median household income | $62,546 | $88,026 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.4% | 16% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.96 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 11.3% between Green Bay and Joliet (ACS 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 Wisconsin 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
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
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 the job market in Joliet compare to Green Bay?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Joliet MSA vs $47,410 in the Green Bay MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 171,590 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Joliet compared to Green Bay?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $259,875 in Joliet vs $278,024 in Green Bay β a 6.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Green Bay to Joliet?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 236 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Green Bay vs Joliet?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,026 in Joliet vs $62,546 in Green Bay β a 40.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Joliet, IL from Green Bay, WI?
The driving distance is 236 mi and the route typically takes 4h 38m via I 43 and WI 57. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Joliet more expensive than Green Bay?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Joliet is 11.3% higher than Green Bay (103.595 vs 93.086, 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 Green Bay.
City profiles: Green Bay, WI Β· Joliet, IL.