Moving from Pasadena, TX to Joliet, IL

Relocating 1045 mi from Pasadena to Joliet is a 19h 17m drive through 4 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.

1045 mi Β· 19h 17m by car Β· IL β†’ MO β†’ AR β†’ TX

COL +5.0% Home values +19.5% Ξ” -20.7Β°F annual

Distance & route

Driving
1045 mi
Drive time
19h 17m
States
4
Fuel (25 mpg)
42 gal
Route throughIL β†’ MO β†’ AR β†’ TX
Primary highwaysI 55, US 59, US 67
Major cities en routeAurora, Naperville, Springfield, St Louis, Little Rock

Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.

Cost of living

PasadenaJolietU.S. avg
All items (RPP)98.629103.595100.0
Rents95.28883.581100.0
Goods100.639107.258100.0
Services104.51112.01100.0

Overall prices come in 5.0% above Pasadena β€” 98.629 β†’ 103.595 on the BEA RPP.

Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.

Housing prices

Pasadena β€” typical home
$217,449
Joliet β€” typical home
$259,875
Pasadena β€” typical rent
$1,336/mo
Joliet β€” typical rent
$1,520/mo

Housing comes in 5.0% above Pasadena β€” $217,449 β†’ $259,875 on the latest ZHVI.

YoY change: Pasadena -3.6%, Joliet +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.

Climate

1991–2020 normalsPasadenaJoliet
Annual avg temperature71Β°F50Β°F
January avg low46Β°F17Β°F
July avg high93Β°F84Β°F
Annual snowfallβ€”16.9"
Annual precipitation55.6"38.0"

Annual average temperature gap of 20.7Β°F β€” a meaningful climate change across the move.

Heavy-snow city: expect 16.9 in of snowfall annually at Joliet.

Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: HOUSTON HOBBY AP, TX US, JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US).

Demographics

ACS 5-year 2023PasadenaJoliet
Population149,345149,785
Median household income$64,270$88,026
Median age32.835.3
Bachelor's degree or higher10.7%16%
Avg household size32.96

Expect median household income to rise 5.0% β€” $64,270 β†’ $88,026 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.

Jobs & wages

Pasadena MSA β€” median wage
$46,960
Joliet MSA β€” median wage
$49,790
Pasadena MSA β€” employment
3,179,460
Joliet MSA β€” employment
4,506,800

Top occupations in Joliet MSA

OccupationEmploymentMedian 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 Texas and Illinois

Texas income tax
no state income tax
Illinois income tax
4.95% top marginal

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 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.

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 (20.7Β°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 Pasadena 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 1045 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 Pasadena?

Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $259,875 in Joliet vs $217,449 in Pasadena β€” a 19.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.

How does household income compare in Pasadena vs Joliet?

Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,026 in Joliet vs $64,270 in Pasadena β€” a 37.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.

How far is Joliet, IL from Pasadena, TX?

The driving distance is 1045 mi and the route typically takes 19h 17m via I 55 and US 59. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.

Is Joliet more expensive than Pasadena?

Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Joliet is 5.0% higher than Pasadena (103.595 vs 98.629, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.

How does the job market in Joliet compare to Pasadena?

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Joliet MSA vs $46,960 in the Pasadena MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 3,179,460 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 Pasadena.

City profiles: Pasadena, TX Β· Joliet, IL.

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