Moving from Round Rock, TX to Joliet, IL
A move from Round Rock, TX to Joliet, IL covers 1062 mi and around 19h 35m of driving through 4 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
1062 mi · 19h 35m by car · IL → MO → OK → TX
Distance & route
| Route through | IL → MO → OK → TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 44, US 69, US 50 |
| Major cities en route | Aurora, Naperville, Springfield, St Louis, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Round Rock | Joliet | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.066 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.044 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 120.361 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 5.6% pricier overall in Joliet than Round Rock on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Joliet typical home at $259,875 is 5.6% under Round Rock at $407,077 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Round Rock -5.9%, Joliet +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
Climate normals not available (no NOAA station within range for one city).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Round Rock | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 124,288 | 149,785 |
| Median household income | $97,187 | $88,026 |
| Median age | 36.2 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.1% | 16% |
| Avg household size | 2.66 | 2.96 |
Median household income in Joliet is 5.6% below Round Rock ($97,187 → $88,026, 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.
Moving between Texas 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.
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 Round Rock vs Joliet?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,026 in Joliet vs $97,187 in Round Rock — a 9.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Round Rock 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 1062 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 Round Rock?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $259,875 in Joliet vs $407,077 in Round Rock — a 36.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Joliet more expensive than Round Rock?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Joliet is 5.6% higher than Round Rock (103.595 vs 98.066, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Joliet, IL from Round Rock, TX?
The driving distance is 1062 mi and the route typically takes 19h 35m via I 44 and US 69. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Joliet compare to Round Rock?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Joliet MSA vs $50,070 in the Round Rock MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 1,235,440 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 Round Rock.
City profiles: Round Rock, TX · Joliet, IL.