Moving from Tempe, AZ to Joliet, IL
Moving from Tempe, AZ to Joliet, IL is a 1706 mi cross-country relocation — about 30h 30m of driving through 6 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
1706 mi · 30h 30m by car · AZ → NM → TX → OK → MO → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ → NM → TX → OK → MO → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, AZ 77, I 44 |
| Major cities en route | Phoenix, Chandler, Glendale, Goodyear, Mesa |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tempe | 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 cost of living in Joliet and Tempe is within ±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) — plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Joliet is 0.3% below Tempe — $468,281 vs $259,875 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Tempe -1.7%, Joliet +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Tempe | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 72°F | 50°F |
| January avg low | 39°F | 17°F |
| July avg high | 106°F | 84°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.0" | 16.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 8.8" | 38.0" |
Joliet runs 21.4°F colder on the annual average (71.8°F vs 50.4°F) — expect a noticeably different year.
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: TEMPE ASU, AZ US, JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tempe | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 186,419 | 149,785 |
| Median household income | $77,643 | $88,026 |
| Median age | 29.9 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.9% | 16% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.96 |
Median household income in Joliet is 0.3% above Tempe ($77,643 → $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 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 — 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.
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 — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (21.4°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
What is the climate difference between Tempe and Joliet?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 50.4°F in Joliet vs 71.8°F in Tempe (21.4°F colder). Annual snowfall: 16.9 in vs 0.0 in. Annual precipitation: 38.0 in vs 8.8 in.
How far is Joliet, IL from Tempe, AZ?
The driving distance is 1706 mi and the route typically takes 30h 30m via I 40 and AZ 77. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Tempe 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 1706 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Tempe vs Joliet?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,026 in Joliet vs $77,643 in Tempe — a 13.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Joliet compare to Tempe?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Joliet MSA vs $48,600 in the Tempe 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.
Is Joliet more expensive than Tempe?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Joliet is 0.3% higher than Tempe (103.595 vs 103.316, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Joliet compared to Tempe?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $259,875 in Joliet vs $468,281 in Tempe — a 44.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Tempe.
City profiles: Tempe, AZ · Joliet, IL.