Moving from Phoenix, AZ to Joliet, IL
Cross-country relocations like Phoenix, AZ β Joliet, IL cover 1750 mi and about 30h 34m of driving through 6 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
1750 mi Β· 30h 34m by car Β· AZ β NM β TX β OK β MO β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β TX β OK β MO β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 44, I 55 |
| Major cities en route | Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Tempe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Phoenix | Joliet | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Phoenix (103.316) and Joliet (103.595) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Joliet: 0.3% below Phoenix on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Phoenix -2.7%, Joliet +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Phoenix | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 73Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 44Β°F | 17Β°F |
| July avg high | 104Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 16.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 8.9" | 38.0" |
Major climate step-down: 22.1Β°F cooler annual average in Joliet vs Phoenix.
Heavy-snow city: expect 16.9 in of snowfall annually at Joliet.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PHOENIX DEER VALLEY MUNI AP, AZ US, JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Phoenix | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,624,832 | 149,785 |
| Median household income | $77,041 | $88,026 |
| Median age | 34.8 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 16% |
| Avg household size | 2.7 | 2.96 |
Income steps up 0.3%: $77,041 in Phoenix vs $88,026 in Joliet.
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 Arizona 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-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close 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 (22.1Β°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
Is Joliet more expensive than Phoenix?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Joliet is 0.3% higher than Phoenix (103.595 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Phoenix vs Joliet?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,026 in Joliet vs $77,041 in Phoenix β a 14.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Joliet compared to Phoenix?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $259,875 in Joliet vs $410,169 in Phoenix β a 36.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Joliet, IL from Phoenix, AZ?
The driving distance is 1750 mi and the route typically takes 30h 34m via I 40 and I 44. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Joliet compare to Phoenix?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Joliet MSA vs $48,600 in the Phoenix MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Phoenix to Joliet?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1750 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Phoenix.
City profiles: Phoenix, AZ Β· Joliet, IL.