Moving from Joliet, IL to Columbia, MO
The 359 mi from Joliet to Columbia translate to about 6h 49m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — 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.
359 mi · 6h 49m by car · IL → MO
Distance & route
| Route through | IL → MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 55, I 72, US 36 |
| Major cities en route | Aurora, Naperville, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Joliet | Columbia | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 89.438 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 85.966 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 94.193 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 69.248 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Columbia are 13.7% below Joliet — a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Columbia typical home at $321,091 is 13.7% above Joliet at $259,875 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Joliet +1.9%, Columbia +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Joliet | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50°F | 56°F |
| January avg low | 17°F | 23°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 89°F |
| Annual snowfall | 16.9" | 17.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 38.0" | 44.8" |
Climate warms by 5.8°F on the annual average — 50.4°F → 56.2°F.
Significant snow at the destination: Columbia sees 17.4 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US, COLUMBIA U OF M, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Joliet | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,785 | 127,200 |
| Median household income | $88,026 | $64,488 |
| Median age | 35.3 | 29.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16% | 30.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.48 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 13.7% between Joliet and Columbia (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Columbia MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 11,920 | $39,450 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 10,570 | $28,450 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 9,410 | $73,610 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 8,040 | $48,850 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 7,510 | $32,430 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Missouri
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Missouri'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: Columbia averages 17.4 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Tornadoes are common April through June — identify a safe room or interior space on day one.
- 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 Missouri after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Columbia compare to Joliet?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,410 in the Columbia MSA vs $49,790 in the Joliet MSA, on total employment of 97,940 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Joliet vs Columbia?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,488 in Columbia vs $88,026 in Joliet — a 26.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Columbia more expensive than Joliet?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Columbia is 13.7% lower than Joliet (89.438 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Joliet and Columbia?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 56.2°F in Columbia vs 50.4°F in Joliet (5.8°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 17.4 in vs 16.9 in. Annual precipitation: 44.8 in vs 38.0 in.
How much do homes cost in Columbia compared to Joliet?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $321,091 in Columbia vs $259,875 in Joliet — a 23.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Joliet to Columbia?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 359 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Columbia, MO from Joliet, IL?
The driving distance is 359 mi and the route typically takes 6h 49m via I 55 and I 72. The trip crosses 2 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 Joliet.
City profiles: Joliet, IL · Columbia, MO.