Moving from Joliet, IL to Mesquite, TX
Relocating 911 mi from Joliet to Mesquite is a 16h 30m drive through 4 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.
911 mi Β· 16h 30m by car Β· IL β MO β AR β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β MO β AR β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 30, I 55, US 70 |
| Major cities en route | Aurora, Naperville, Springfield, St Louis, Little Rock |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Joliet | Mesquite | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 103.595 vs 103.09 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
No meaningful housing gap at the typical-home level: ZHVI $259,875 vs $262,121.
YoY change: Joliet +1.9%, Mesquite -4.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Joliet | Mesquite |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 17Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 96Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 16.9" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 38.0" | 40.9" |
Expect 15.6Β°F warmer on average per year β plan for air conditioning and a summer-heavy wardrobe.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US, FERRIS, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Joliet | Mesquite |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,785 | 148,848 |
| Median household income | $88,026 | $71,843 |
| Median age | 35.3 | 33.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16% | 12.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.96 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 0.5% lower in Mesquite than Joliet.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Mesquite MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 523,660 | $44,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 412,270 | $39,950 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 368,400 | $36,710 |
| Management Occupations | 350,940 | $117,410 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 341,240 | $29,000 |
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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Mesquite average 96Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (15.6Β°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 does household income compare in Joliet vs Mesquite?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $71,843 in Mesquite vs $88,026 in Joliet β a 18.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Mesquite compare to Joliet?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Mesquite MSA vs $49,790 in the Joliet MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Mesquite, TX from Joliet, IL?
The driving distance is 911 mi and the route typically takes 16h 30m via I 30 and I 55. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Mesquite more expensive than Joliet?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Mesquite is 0.5% lower than Joliet (103.09 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 Mesquite?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 911 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 Mesquite compared to Joliet?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $262,121 in Mesquite vs $259,875 in Joliet β a 0.9% 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· Mesquite, TX.