Moving from Joliet, IL to Sandy Springs, GA
The drive from Joliet, IL to Sandy Springs, GA runs 693 mi β about 13h 30m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
693 mi Β· 13h 30m by car Β· IL β IN β KY β TN β GA
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β IN β KY β TN β GA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 65, I 75, SR 111 |
| Major cities en route | Aurora, Naperville, Chicago, Chattanooga, Atlanta |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Joliet | Sandy Springs | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 100.058 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 96.239 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 100.416 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 111.022 | 100.0 |
Sandy Springs and Joliet are close on the overall BEA RPP (103.595 vs 100.058); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Sandy Springs typical home at $691,063 is 3.4% above Joliet at $259,875 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Joliet +1.9%, Sandy Springs +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Joliet | Sandy Springs |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 62Β°F |
| January avg low | 17Β°F | 33Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 16.9" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 38.0" | 51.4" |
Climate warms by 11.1Β°F on the annual average β 50.4Β°F β 61.5Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US, ATLANTA PEACHTREE AP, GA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Joliet | Sandy Springs |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,785 | 107,198 |
| Median household income | $88,026 | $101,593 |
| Median age | 35.3 | 37.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16% | 39.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.06 |
Income steps up 3.4%: $88,026 in Joliet vs $101,593 in Sandy Springs.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Sandy Springs MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 350,210 | $43,410 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 317,700 | $40,250 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 275,750 | $35,560 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 257,700 | $79,020 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 242,360 | $28,720 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Georgia
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Georgia'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
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Pack rain gear on top: Sandy Springs averages 51.4 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (11.1Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Tropical storms are possible August through October on the Atlantic coast.
- 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 Georgia after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Joliet vs Sandy Springs?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $101,593 in Sandy Springs vs $88,026 in Joliet β a 15.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Joliet to Sandy Springs?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 693 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 Sandy Springs compare to Joliet?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,370 in the Sandy Springs MSA vs $49,790 in the Joliet MSA, on total employment of 2,817,660 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Sandy Springs, GA from Joliet, IL?
The driving distance is 693 mi and the route typically takes 13h 30m via I 65 and I 75. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Sandy Springs compared to Joliet?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $691,063 in Sandy Springs vs $259,875 in Joliet β a 165.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Sandy Springs more expensive than Joliet?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Sandy Springs is 3.4% lower than Joliet (100.058 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Joliet.
City profiles: Joliet, IL Β· Sandy Springs, GA.