Moving from Tyler, TX to Joliet, IL
The drive from Tyler, TX to Joliet, IL runs 861 mi β about 15h 53m 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.
861 mi Β· 15h 53m by car Β· IL β MO β AR β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β MO β AR β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 55, US 67, I 30 |
| Major cities en route | Aurora, Naperville, Springfield, St Louis, Little Rock |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Tyler | Joliet | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.156 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.904 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.911 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 92.156 in Tyler to 103.595 in Joliet, a 12.4% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Home prices line up β $251,563 vs $259,875 on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Tyler -1.0%, Joliet +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Tyler | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 67Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 17Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 16.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 47.7" | 38.0" |
Major climate step-down: 16.1Β°F cooler annual average in Joliet vs Tyler.
Heavy-snow city: expect 16.9 in of snowfall annually at Joliet.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: TYLER, TX US, JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Tyler | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,718 | 149,785 |
| Median household income | $65,527 | $88,026 |
| Median age | 35.5 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.4% | 16% |
| Avg household size | 2.86 | 2.96 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 12.4% between Tyler 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 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 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.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (16.1Β°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
When is the best time to move from Tyler to Joliet?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 861 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Joliet compare to Tyler?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Joliet MSA vs $39,080 in the Tyler MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 111,520 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Joliet compared to Tyler?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $259,875 in Joliet vs $251,563 in Tyler β a 3.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Tyler vs Joliet?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,026 in Joliet vs $65,527 in Tyler β a 34.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Joliet more expensive than Tyler?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Joliet is 12.4% higher than Tyler (103.595 vs 92.156, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Joliet, IL from Tyler, TX?
The driving distance is 861 mi and the route typically takes 15h 53m via I 55 and US 67. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Tyler.
City profiles: Tyler, TX Β· Joliet, IL.