Moving from Topeka, KS to Joliet, IL
The drive from Topeka, KS to Joliet, IL runs 533 mi β about 9h 55m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
533 mi Β· 9h 55m by car Β· IL β MO β KS
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β MO β KS |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 36, US 24, MO 110 |
| Major cities en route | Aurora, Naperville, Springfield, Independence, Lee S Summit |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Topeka | Joliet | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.82 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.942 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.027 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.987 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 88.82 in Topeka to 103.595 in Joliet, a 16.6% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Joliet: 16.6% above Topeka on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Topeka -1.1%, Joliet +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Topeka | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 17Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 16.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.3" | 38.0" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 16.9 in of snowfall annually at Joliet.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TOPEKA - NWS, KS US, JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Topeka | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 126,103 | 149,785 |
| Median household income | $55,902 | $88,026 |
| Median age | 38.2 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.5% | 16% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.96 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 16.6% between Topeka and Joliet (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 Kansas 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.
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.
- 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 far is Joliet, IL from Topeka, KS?
The driving distance is 533 mi and the route typically takes 9h 55m via US 36 and US 24. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Topeka vs Joliet?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,026 in Joliet vs $55,902 in Topeka β a 57.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Joliet compare to Topeka?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Joliet MSA vs $45,340 in the Topeka MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 113,350 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Topeka to Joliet?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 533 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Joliet compared to Topeka?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $259,875 in Joliet vs $190,096 in Topeka β a 36.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Joliet more expensive than Topeka?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Joliet is 16.6% higher than Topeka (103.595 vs 88.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Topeka.
City profiles: Topeka, KS Β· Joliet, IL.