Moving from West Palm Beach, FL to Joliet, IL
The drive from West Palm Beach, FL to Joliet, IL runs 1292 mi β about 24h 21m 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.
1292 mi Β· 24h 21m by car Β· IL β IN β KY β TN β GA β FL
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β IN β KY β TN β GA β FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 75, I 65, GA 540 |
| Major cities en route | Aurora, Naperville, Chicago, Chattanooga, Sandy Springs |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| West Palm Beach | Joliet | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 114.155 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 97.235 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.556 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 155.551 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 114.155 to 103.595, putting Joliet roughly 9.3% below West Palm Beach on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Joliet: 9.3% below West Palm Beach on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: West Palm Beach -3.1%, Joliet +1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | West Palm Beach | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 76Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 58Β°F | 17Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 16.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 61.7" | 38.0" |
Major climate step-down: 25.4Β°F cooler annual average in Joliet vs West Palm Beach.
Heavy-snow city: expect 16.9 in of snowfall annually at Joliet.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WEST PALM BEACH INTL AP, FL US, JOLIET BRANDON RD DAM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | West Palm Beach | Joliet |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 119,508 | 149,785 |
| Median household income | $69,261 | $88,026 |
| Median age | 40.2 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.4% | 16% |
| Avg household size | 2.37 | 2.96 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 9.3% between West Palm Beach 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 Florida 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-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements 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 (25.4Β°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 the job market in Joliet compare to West Palm Beach?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Joliet MSA vs $46,510 in the West Palm Beach MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 2,721,490 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Joliet, IL from West Palm Beach, FL?
The driving distance is 1292 mi and the route typically takes 24h 21m via I 75 and I 65. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Joliet compared to West Palm Beach?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $259,875 in Joliet vs $399,471 in West Palm Beach β a 34.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Joliet more expensive than West Palm Beach?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Joliet is 9.3% lower than West Palm Beach (103.595 vs 114.155, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from West Palm Beach to Joliet?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1292 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in West Palm Beach vs Joliet?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $88,026 in Joliet vs $69,261 in West Palm Beach β a 27.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from West Palm Beach.
City profiles: West Palm Beach, FL Β· Joliet, IL.