Moving from Omaha, NE to Joliet, IL
Relocating between Omaha, NE and Joliet, IL is a 448 mi drive β 8h 13m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
448 mi Β· 8h 13m by car Β· NE β IA β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | NE β IA β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 280, US 6 |
| Major cities en route | Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Aurora, Naperville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Omaha | Joliet | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.911 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 76.378 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.063 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.404 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Joliet runs about 12.7% more expensive overall than Omaha β RPP 91.911 β 103.595.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Joliet run about 12.7% cheaper β ZHVI $294,189 β $259,875 (2026-03).
YoY change: Omaha +1.2%, Joliet +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Omaha | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 15Β°F | 17Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 16.9" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 38.0" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 51.3Β°F vs 50.4Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Joliet sees 16.9 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: OMAHA #1, NE US, JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Omaha | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 488,197 | 149,785 |
| Median household income | $72,708 | $88,026 |
| Median age | 35.3 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.6% | 16% |
| Avg household size | 2.44 | 2.96 |
Expect median household income to rise 12.7% β $72,708 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 Nebraska 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.
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.
- 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 Omaha vs Joliet?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,026 in Joliet vs $72,708 in Omaha β a 21.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Joliet, IL from Omaha, NE?
The driving distance is 448 mi and the route typically takes 8h 13m via I 80 and I 280. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Omaha to Joliet?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 448 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 Omaha?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $259,875 in Joliet vs $294,189 in Omaha β a 11.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Joliet more expensive than Omaha?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Joliet is 12.7% higher than Omaha (103.595 vs 91.911, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Joliet compare to Omaha?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Joliet MSA vs $47,580 in the Omaha MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 483,970 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 Omaha.
City profiles: Omaha, NE Β· Joliet, IL.