Moving from Amarillo, TX to Peoria, IL
A move from Amarillo, TX to Peoria, IL covers 928 mi and around 16h 35m of driving through 4 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
928 mi Β· 16h 35m by car Β· TX β OK β MO β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β OK β MO β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 44, I 40, US 287 |
| Major cities en route | Oklahoma City, Norman, Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Amarillo | Peoria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.82 | 91.231 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.474 | 90.504 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 78.38 | 63.763 | 100.0 |
Peoria and Amarillo are close on the overall BEA RPP (91.82 vs 91.231); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Peoria typical home at $128,838 is 0.6% under Amarillo at $206,787 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Amarillo +2.6%, Peoria +7.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Amarillo | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 57Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 22Β°F | 18Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 26.2" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 37.6" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 56.9Β°F vs 52.7Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Peoria sees 26.2 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: AMARILLO 7ENE, TX US, PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Amarillo | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 200,945 | 112,126 |
| Median household income | $62,469 | $58,716 |
| Median age | 35 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.56 | 2.29 |
Median household income in Peoria is 0.6% below Amarillo ($62,469 β $58,716, 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 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: 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 much do homes cost in Peoria compared to Amarillo?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $128,838 in Peoria vs $206,787 in Amarillo β a 37.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Peoria more expensive than Amarillo?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Peoria is 0.6% lower than Amarillo (91.231 vs 91.82, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Peoria, IL from Amarillo, TX?
The driving distance is 928 mi and the route typically takes 16h 35m via I 44 and I 40. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Peoria compare to Amarillo?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,610 in the Peoria MSA vs $39,900 in the Amarillo MSA, on total employment of 165,240 and 120,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Amarillo to Peoria?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 928 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 Amarillo vs Peoria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,716 in Peoria vs $62,469 in Amarillo β a 6.0% lower 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 Amarillo.
City profiles: Amarillo, TX Β· Peoria, IL.