Moving from Joliet, IL to Corpus Christi, TX
It is 1253 mi between Joliet and Corpus Christi β roughly 23h 27m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 4 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
1253 mi Β· 23h 27m by car Β· TX β AR β MO β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β AR β MO β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 59, I 55, US 67 |
| Major cities en route | Sugar Land, Pearland, Houston, Pasadena, League City |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Joliet | Corpus Christi | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 92.671 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 80.991 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 84.905 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 10.5% moving from Joliet to Corpus Christi β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Corpus Christi run about 10.5% cheaper β ZHVI $259,875 β $223,502 (2026-03).
YoY change: Joliet +1.9%, Corpus Christi -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Joliet | Corpus Christi |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 72Β°F |
| January avg low | 17Β°F | 49Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 16.9" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 38.0" | 34.1" |
Annual average temperature jumps 21.5Β°F β 50.4Β°F in Joliet vs 71.9Β°F in Corpus Christi, per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US, PORT ARANSAS 11 SSW, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Joliet | Corpus Christi |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,785 | 317,383 |
| Median household income | $88,026 | $66,325 |
| Median age | 35.3 | 36.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16% | 15.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.69 |
Corpus Christi households earn about 10.5% less than Joliet at the median β $88,026 β $66,325 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Corpus Christi MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 22,840 | $37,700 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 21,400 | $27,200 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 15,380 | $31,420 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 14,070 | $37,120 |
| Construction and Extraction Occupations | 14,050 | $47,300 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (21.5Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- 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 Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Corpus Christi, TX from Joliet, IL?
The driving distance is 1253 mi and the route typically takes 23h 27m via US 59 and I 55. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Corpus Christi compared to Joliet?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $223,502 in Corpus Christi vs $259,875 in Joliet β a 14.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Joliet to Corpus Christi?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1253 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Corpus Christi more expensive than Joliet?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Corpus Christi is 10.5% lower than Joliet (92.671 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Corpus Christi compare to Joliet?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,570 in the Corpus Christi MSA vs $49,790 in the Joliet MSA, on total employment of 187,350 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 Corpus Christi?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $66,325 in Corpus Christi vs $88,026 in Joliet β a 24.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Joliet.
City profiles: Joliet, IL Β· Corpus Christi, TX.