Moving from Joliet, IL to Lowell, MA
Relocating 1012 mi from Joliet to Lowell is a 19h 12m drive through 7 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1012 mi Β· 19h 12m 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 | Lowell | 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 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
4.5% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Joliet +1.9%, Lowell +0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Joliet | Lowell |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 17Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 16.9" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 38.0" | 48.5" |
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, LOWELL, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Joliet | Lowell |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,785 | 114,799 |
| Median household income | $88,026 | $76,205 |
| Median age | 35.3 | 35.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16% | 18% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.71 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 4.5% lower in Lowell than Joliet.
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
Is Lowell more expensive than Joliet?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Lowell is 4.5% higher than Joliet (108.266 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Joliet vs Lowell?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $76,205 in Lowell vs $88,026 in Joliet β a 13.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Lowell, MA from Joliet, IL?
The driving distance is 1012 mi and the route typically takes 19h 12m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Joliet to Lowell?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1012 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 Lowell compared to Joliet?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $480,319 in Lowell vs $259,875 in Joliet β a 84.8% 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· Lowell, MA.