Moving from Joliet, IL to Lee's Summit, MO
Moving from Joliet, IL to Lee's Summit, MO covers 479 mi and about 8h 58m by car through 2 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
479 mi Β· 8h 58m by car Β· IL β MO
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β MO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 55, I 70, US 40 |
| Major cities en route | Aurora, Naperville, Springfield, Columbia, Independence |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Joliet | Lee's Summit | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 103.595 to 92.543, putting Lee's Summit roughly 10.7% below Joliet on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Lee's Summit: 10.7% above Joliet on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Joliet +1.9%, Lee's Summit +2.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Joliet | Lee's Summit |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 56Β°F |
| January avg low | 17Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 16.9" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 38.0" | 38.3" |
Lee's Summit runs 5.3Β°F warmer on the annual average (50.4Β°F vs 55.7Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US, LEES SUMMIT MUNI AP, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Joliet | Lee's Summit |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,785 | 102,583 |
| Median household income | $88,026 | $104,989 |
| Median age | 35.3 | 38.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16% | 29.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.6 |
Median household income in Lee's Summit is 10.7% above Joliet ($88,026 β $104,989, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Lee's Summit MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 133,580 | $43,640 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 105,080 | $42,090 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 95,130 | $29,920 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 94,940 | $36,640 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 77,380 | $75,790 |
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 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
- Tornadoes are common April through June β 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
When is the best time to move from Joliet to Lee's Summit?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 479 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Lee's Summit, MO from Joliet, IL?
The driving distance is 479 mi and the route typically takes 8h 58m via I 55 and I 70. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Lee's Summit more expensive than Joliet?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lee's Summit is 10.7% lower than Joliet (92.543 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Joliet vs Lee's Summit?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $104,989 in Lee's Summit vs $88,026 in Joliet β a 19.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Lee's Summit compare to Joliet?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Lee's Summit MSA vs $49,790 in the Joliet MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Lee's Summit compared to Joliet?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $390,166 in Lee's Summit vs $259,875 in Joliet β a 50.1% 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· Lee's Summit, MO.