Moving from Joliet, IL to Pittsburgh, PA
Relocating between Joliet, IL and Pittsburgh, PA is a 476 mi drive β 8h 56m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
476 mi Β· 8h 56m by car Β· PA β OH β IN β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | PA β OH β IN β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 76 |
| Major cities en route | Akron, Cleveland, Toledo, South Bend, Chicago |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Joliet | Pittsburgh | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 94.671 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 107.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 100.684 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 71.986 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 8.6% cheaper overall in Pittsburgh than Joliet on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing comes in 8.6% under Joliet β $259,875 β $237,533 on the latest ZHVI.
YoY change: Joliet +1.9%, Pittsburgh -0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Joliet | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 17Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 16.9" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 38.0" | 41.3" |
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, PITTSBURGH ALLEGHENY CO AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Joliet | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,785 | 303,620 |
| Median household income | $88,026 | $64,137 |
| Median age | 35.3 | 33.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16% | 24.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.21 |
Expect median household income to fall 8.6% β $88,026 β $64,137 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Pittsburgh MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 137,860 | $43,230 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 96,800 | $28,940 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 90,050 | $39,900 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 89,070 | $35,000 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 79,490 | $75,790 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Pennsylvania
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Pennsylvania'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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
Is Pittsburgh more expensive than Joliet?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pittsburgh is 8.6% lower than Joliet (94.671 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Pittsburgh, PA from Joliet, IL?
The driving distance is 476 mi and the route typically takes 8h 56m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Joliet to Pittsburgh?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 476 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Pittsburgh compare to Joliet?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,360 in the Pittsburgh MSA vs $49,790 in the Joliet MSA, on total employment of 1,071,900 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Pittsburgh compared to Joliet?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $237,533 in Pittsburgh vs $259,875 in Joliet β a 8.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Joliet vs Pittsburgh?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,137 in Pittsburgh vs $88,026 in Joliet β a 27.1% 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· Pittsburgh, PA.