Moving from Mobile, AL to Joliet, IL
Relocating 854 mi from Mobile to Joliet is a 16h 44m drive through 5 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.
854 mi Β· 16h 44m by car Β· AL β MS β TN β KY β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | AL β MS β TN β KY β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 45, I 57, US 45 ALT |
| Major cities en route | Aurora, Naperville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Mobile | Joliet | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.098 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.185 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 60.116 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 17.6% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 17.6% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $194,564 to $259,875 moving to Joliet.
YoY change: Mobile -2.1%, Joliet +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Mobile | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 69Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 43Β°F | 17Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 16.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 60.5" | 38.0" |
Expect 18.7Β°F colder on average per year β plan for heating load and winter gear.
Joliet averages 16.9 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MOBILE DWTN AP, AL US, JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Mobile | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 185,097 | 149,785 |
| Median household income | $51,090 | $88,026 |
| Median age | 37.7 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20% | 16% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.96 |
Expect median household income to rise 17.6% β $51,090 β $88,026 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Joliet MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 519,810 | $46,540 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 497,550 | $41,020 |
| Management Occupations | 405,130 | $125,280 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 386,070 | $38,490 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 368,000 | $33,540 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Alabama and Illinois
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Illinois'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-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Joliet averages 16.9 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (18.7Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Illinois after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Joliet compare to Mobile?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Joliet MSA vs $41,660 in the Mobile MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 169,730 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Mobile to Joliet?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 854 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 Joliet compared to Mobile?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $259,875 in Joliet vs $194,564 in Mobile β a 33.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Joliet more expensive than Mobile?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Joliet is 17.6% higher than Mobile (103.595 vs 88.098, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Joliet, IL from Mobile, AL?
The driving distance is 854 mi and the route typically takes 16h 44m via US 45 and I 57. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Mobile vs Joliet?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,026 in Joliet vs $51,090 in Mobile β a 72.3% higher 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 Mobile.
City profiles: Mobile, AL Β· Joliet, IL.