Moving from Murfreesboro, TN to Joliet, IL
Relocating 504 mi from Murfreesboro to Joliet is a 9h 39m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
504 mi · 9h 39m by car · TN → KY → IN → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → KY → IN → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 65, I 80, SR 109 |
| Major cities en route | Chicago, Naperville, Aurora |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Murfreesboro | Joliet | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 96.338 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 71.95 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.247 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 104.626 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Joliet runs about 7.5% more expensive overall than Murfreesboro — RPP 96.338 → 103.595.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $426,292 in Murfreesboro to $259,875 in Joliet, a 7.5% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Murfreesboro +0.1%, Joliet +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Murfreesboro | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 59°F | 50°F |
| January avg low | 28°F | 17°F |
| July avg high | 89°F | 84°F |
| Annual snowfall | 2.2" | 16.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 55.9" | 38.0" |
Expect 8.5°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Joliet sees 16.9 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: MURFREESBORO 5 N, TN US, JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Murfreesboro | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 157,547 | 149,785 |
| Median household income | $76,241 | $88,026 |
| Median age | 31.4 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26.7% | 16% |
| Avg household size | 2.69 | 2.96 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 7.5% higher in Joliet than Murfreesboro.
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 Tennessee 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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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 — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- 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 household income compare in Murfreesboro vs Joliet?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,026 in Joliet vs $76,241 in Murfreesboro — a 15.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Joliet, IL from Murfreesboro, TN?
The driving distance is 504 mi and the route typically takes 9h 39m via I 65 and I 80. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Murfreesboro and Joliet?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 50.4°F in Joliet vs 58.9°F in Murfreesboro (8.5°F colder). Annual snowfall: 16.9 in vs 2.2 in. Annual precipitation: 38.0 in vs 55.9 in.
Is Joliet more expensive than Murfreesboro?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Joliet is 7.5% higher than Murfreesboro (103.595 vs 96.338, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Murfreesboro to Joliet?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 504 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Joliet compared to Murfreesboro?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $259,875 in Joliet vs $426,292 in Murfreesboro — a 39.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Joliet compare to Murfreesboro?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Joliet MSA vs $46,950 in the Murfreesboro MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 1,074,750 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 Murfreesboro.
City profiles: Murfreesboro, TN · Joliet, IL.