Moving from Modesto, CA to Joliet, IL
A 2090 mi cross-country move between Modesto and Joliet is 35h 50m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 7 states. Nearly every household line β rent, taxes, climate, commute β usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
2090 mi Β· 35h 50m by car Β· CA β NV β UT β WY β NE β IA β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | CA β NV β UT β WY β NE β IA β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, CA 99, I 280 |
| Major cities en route | Stockton, Elk Grove, Sacramento, Roseville, Reno |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Modesto | Joliet | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.108 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 152.259 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 108.476 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 104.108 vs 103.595 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
Expect roughly 0.5% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $446,494 to $259,875 moving to Joliet.
YoY change: Modesto -0.7%, Joliet +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Modesto | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 17Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 16.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 12.3" | 38.0" |
Annual temperature drops 12.7Β°F moving to Joliet per NOAA normals.
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: MODESTO CITY CO AP, CA US, JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Modesto | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,614 | 149,785 |
| Median household income | $77,899 | $88,026 |
| Median age | 35.4 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.8% | 16% |
| Avg household size | 3.02 | 2.96 |
Households in Joliet earn about 0.5% more at the median β ACS 5-year 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 California 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
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
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 (12.7Β°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
When is the best time to move from Modesto to Joliet?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2090 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 Modesto?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $259,875 in Joliet vs $446,494 in Modesto β a 41.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Modesto vs Joliet?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,026 in Joliet vs $77,899 in Modesto β a 13.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Joliet more expensive than Modesto?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Joliet is 0.5% lower than Modesto (103.595 vs 104.108, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Joliet, IL from Modesto, CA?
The driving distance is 2090 mi and the route typically takes 35h 50m via I 80 and CA 99. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Joliet compare to Modesto?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Joliet MSA vs $47,720 in the Modesto MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 192,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Modesto.
City profiles: Modesto, CA Β· Joliet, IL.