Moving from Montgomery, AL to Joliet, IL
The drive from Montgomery, AL to Joliet, IL runs 765 mi β about 14h 18m 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.
765 mi Β· 14h 18m by car Β· AL β TN β KY β IN β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | AL β TN β KY β IN β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 65, US 82, I 80 |
| Major cities en route | Birmingham, Huntsville, Murfreesboro, Chicago, Naperville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Montgomery | Joliet | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.682 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.907 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.347 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Joliet is 15.5% higher than Montgomery, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Joliet is 15.5% above Montgomery β $151,228 vs $259,875 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Montgomery +1.1%, Joliet +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Montgomery | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 40Β°F | 17Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 16.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 51.8" | 38.0" |
Joliet runs 17.5Β°F colder on the annual average (67.9Β°F vs 50.4Β°F) β expect a noticeably different year.
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: MONTGOMERY 6SW, AL US, JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Montgomery | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 198,440 | 149,785 |
| Median household income | $55,687 | $88,026 |
| Median age | 36.2 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.4% | 16% |
| Avg household size | 2.46 | 2.96 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 15.5% between Montgomery and Joliet (ACS 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 (17.5Β°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 Montgomery?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Joliet MSA vs $40,220 in the Montgomery MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 160,840 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Joliet compared to Montgomery?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $259,875 in Joliet vs $151,228 in Montgomery β a 71.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Joliet, IL from Montgomery, AL?
The driving distance is 765 mi and the route typically takes 14h 18m via I 65 and US 82. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Montgomery vs Joliet?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,026 in Joliet vs $55,687 in Montgomery β a 58.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Montgomery to Joliet?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 765 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Joliet more expensive than Montgomery?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Joliet is 15.5% higher than Montgomery (103.595 vs 89.682, 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 Montgomery.
City profiles: Montgomery, AL Β· Joliet, IL.