Moving from Joliet, IL to Cambridge, MA
A move from Joliet, IL to Cambridge, MA 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
| Joliet | Cambridge | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 108.266 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 148.768 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 99.651 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 148.424 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Joliet (103.595) and Cambridge (108.266) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Cambridge: 4.5% above Joliet on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Joliet +1.9%, Cambridge -1.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Joliet | Cambridge |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 17Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 16.9" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 38.0" | 49.4" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US, JAMAICA PLAIN, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Joliet | Cambridge |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,785 | 117,794 |
| Median household income | $88,026 | $126,469 |
| Median age | 35.3 | 30.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16% | 29.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.38 |
Median household income in Cambridge is 4.5% above Joliet ($88,026 vs $126,469, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Massachusetts
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Massachusetts'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.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Joliet vs Cambridge?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $126,469 in Cambridge vs $88,026 in Joliet β a 43.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Cambridge, MA from Joliet, IL?
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 Cambridge compared to Joliet?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,041,569 in Cambridge vs $259,875 in Joliet β a 300.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Joliet to Cambridge?
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 Cambridge more expensive than Joliet?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cambridge is 4.5% higher than Joliet (108.266 vs 103.595, 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 Joliet.
City profiles: Joliet, IL Β· Cambridge, MA.