Moving from Akron, OH to Peoria, IL
It is a 498 mi drive, roughly 9h 31m, between Akron, OH and Peoria, IL. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
498 mi Β· 9h 31m by car Β· OH β IN β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β IN β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, IL 29 |
| Major cities en route | Cleveland, Toledo, South Bend, Chicago, Joliet |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Akron | Peoria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.37 | 91.231 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.448 | 90.504 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.628 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 76.785 | 63.763 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 93.37 vs 91.231 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 around 2.3% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Akron +2.2%, Peoria +7.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Akron | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 52Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 21Β°F | 18Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 26.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 32.5" | 37.6" |
Annual average temperatures in Akron (52.3Β°F) and Peoria (52.7Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Peoria averages 26.2 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: AKRON FULTON INTL AP, OH US, PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Akron | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 189,526 | 112,126 |
| Median household income | $48,544 | $58,716 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 15.3% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.29 |
Peoria households earn about 2.3% more than Akron at the median β $48,544 β $58,716 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Peoria MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 17,760 | $41,540 |
| Production Occupations | 15,910 | $46,610 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 13,790 | $29,380 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 13,580 | $38,870 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 13,350 | $71,500 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Ohio 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: Peoria averages 26.2 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 Peoria, IL from Akron, OH?
The driving distance is 498 mi and the route typically takes 9h 31m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Akron vs Peoria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,716 in Peoria vs $48,544 in Akron β a 21.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Peoria compared to Akron?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $128,838 in Peoria vs $137,894 in Akron β a 6.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Peoria more expensive than Akron?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Peoria is 2.3% lower than Akron (91.231 vs 93.37, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Peoria compare to Akron?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,610 in the Peoria MSA vs $45,950 in the Akron MSA, on total employment of 165,240 and 320,810 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Akron to Peoria?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 498 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Akron.
City profiles: Akron, OH Β· Peoria, IL.