Moving from Joliet, IL to Green Bay, WI
The 236 mi from Joliet to Green Bay 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
| Joliet | Green Bay | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 93.086 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 90.041 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 93.787 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 74.696 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 103.595 to 93.086, putting Green Bay roughly 10.1% below Joliet on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing step-up: Green Bay at $278,024 is 10.1% above Joliet at $259,875.
YoY change: Joliet +1.9%, Green Bay +5.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Joliet | Green Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 45Β°F |
| January avg low | 17Β°F | 9Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 80Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 16.9" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 38.0" | 32.4" |
Climate cools by 5.7Β°F on the annual average β 50.4Β°F β 44.7Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US, GREEN BAY BOTANICAL, WI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Joliet | Green Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,785 | 106,585 |
| Median household income | $88,026 | $62,546 |
| Median age | 35.3 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16% | 18.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.42 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 10.1% between Joliet and Green Bay (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Green Bay MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 21,540 | $44,720 |
| Production Occupations | 21,100 | $46,550 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 17,340 | $44,580 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 15,060 | $36,480 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 14,500 | $28,870 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Wisconsin
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Wisconsin'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.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Joliet vs Green Bay?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,546 in Green Bay vs $88,026 in Joliet β a 28.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Green Bay compare to Joliet?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,410 in the Green Bay MSA vs $49,790 in the Joliet MSA, on total employment of 171,590 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Green Bay, WI from Joliet, IL?
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 Green Bay more expensive than Joliet?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Green Bay is 10.1% lower than Joliet (93.086 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Joliet to Green Bay?
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 much do homes cost in Green Bay compared to Joliet?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $278,024 in Green Bay vs $259,875 in Joliet β a 7.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Joliet.
City profiles: Joliet, IL Β· Green Bay, WI.