Moving from Peoria, IL to Joliet, IL
It is a 124 mi drive, roughly 2h 29m, between Peoria, IL and Joliet, IL. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate — not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
124 mi · 2h 29m by car · IL
Distance & route
| Route through | IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, IL 29, I 180 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, Aurora |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Peoria | Joliet | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.231 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.504 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.643 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 63.763 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 13.6% higher cost of living — rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 13.6% higher home prices — ZHVI goes from $128,838 to $259,875 moving to Joliet.
YoY change: Peoria +7.4%, Joliet +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Peoria | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 50°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 17°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 84°F |
| Annual snowfall | 26.2" | 16.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.6" | 38.0" |
Annual average temperatures in Peoria (52.7°F) and Joliet (50.4°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Joliet averages 16.9 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US, JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Peoria | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 112,126 | 149,785 |
| Median household income | $58,716 | $88,026 |
| Median age | 35.8 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.6% | 16% |
| Avg household size | 2.29 | 2.96 |
Joliet households earn about 13.6% more than Peoria at the median — $58,716 → $88,026 on 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.
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 — 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.
Frequently asked
What is the climate difference between Peoria and Joliet?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 50.4°F in Joliet vs 52.7°F in Peoria (2.3°F colder). Annual snowfall: 16.9 in vs 26.2 in. Annual precipitation: 38.0 in vs 37.6 in.
When is the best time to move from Peoria 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 124 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 Peoria?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $259,875 in Joliet vs $128,838 in Peoria — a 101.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Joliet compare to Peoria?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Joliet MSA vs $46,610 in the Peoria MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 165,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Joliet more expensive than Peoria?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Joliet is 13.6% higher than Peoria (103.595 vs 91.231, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Joliet, IL from Peoria, IL?
The driving distance is 124 mi and the route typically takes 2h 29m via I 80 and IL 29. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Peoria vs Joliet?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,026 in Joliet vs $58,716 in Peoria — a 49.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Peoria.
City profiles: Peoria, IL · Joliet, IL.