Moving from Scottsdale, AZ to Joliet, IL
It is 1702 mi and 30h 34m from Scottsdale to Joliet β a cross-country move across 6 states. Housing, cost of living, climate, and tax picture all tend to shift substantially at this distance. This page pulls the current figures from each federal source and Zillow Research into one comparison.
1702 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, AZ 77, I 44 |
| Major cities en route | Peoria, Phoenix, Glendale, Chandler, Tempe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Scottsdale | 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 |
Overall price level is comparable β 103.316 vs 103.595 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 0.3% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $858,022 to $259,875 moving to Joliet.
YoY change: Scottsdale +1.7%, Joliet +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Scottsdale | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 70Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 43Β°F | 17Β°F |
| July avg high | 99Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 16.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 11.6" | 38.0" |
Expect 19.2Β°F colder on average per year β plan for heating load and winter gear.
Joliet averages 16.9 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PINNACLE PEAK, AZ US, JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Scottsdale | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 242,169 | 149,785 |
| Median household income | $107,372 | $88,026 |
| Median age | 49.2 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 37.1% | 16% |
| Avg household size | 2.06 | 2.96 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 0.3% lower in Joliet than Scottsdale.
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 (19.2Β°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
How does household income compare in Scottsdale vs Joliet?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,026 in Joliet vs $107,372 in Scottsdale β a 18.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Joliet compared to Scottsdale?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $259,875 in Joliet vs $858,022 in Scottsdale β a 69.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Joliet more expensive than Scottsdale?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Joliet is 0.3% higher than Scottsdale (103.595 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Scottsdale to Joliet?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1702 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Joliet, IL from Scottsdale, AZ?
The driving distance is 1702 mi and the route typically takes 30h 34m via I 40 and AZ 77. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Joliet compare to Scottsdale?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Joliet MSA vs $48,600 in the Scottsdale 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.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Scottsdale.
City profiles: Scottsdale, AZ Β· Joliet, IL.