Moving from Ann Arbor, MI to Peoria, IL
It is a 377 mi drive, roughly 7h 13m, between Ann Arbor, MI and Peoria, IL. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate — not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
377 mi · 7h 13m by car · MI → IN → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | MI → IN → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, I 80, IL 29 |
| Major cities en route | Dearborn, South Bend, Chicago, Joliet, Naperville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Ann Arbor | Peoria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.88 | 91.231 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 98.184 | 90.504 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.711 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.3 | 63.763 | 100.0 |
Expect about 9.6% lower overall cost of living — BEA RPP 2024 has Peoria at 91.231 vs Ann Arbor at 100.88.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 9.6% lower home prices — ZHVI goes from $523,391 to $128,838 moving to Peoria.
YoY change: Ann Arbor +3.2%, Peoria +7.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Ann Arbor | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 16°F | 18°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 59.3" | 26.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.9" | 37.6" |
Annual average temperatures in Ann Arbor (48.2°F) and Peoria (52.7°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Peoria averages 26.2 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ANN ARBOR SE, MI US, PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Ann Arbor | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,179 | 112,126 |
| Median household income | $81,089 | $58,716 |
| Median age | 27.7 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.5% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.43 | 2.29 |
Peoria households earn about 9.6% less than Ann Arbor at the median — $81,089 → $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 Michigan 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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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
- Lake-effect snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Peoria averages 26.2 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — 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
What is the climate difference between Ann Arbor and Peoria?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 52.7°F in Peoria vs 48.2°F in Ann Arbor (4.5°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 26.2 in vs 59.3 in. Annual precipitation: 37.6 in vs 37.9 in.
Is Peoria more expensive than Ann Arbor?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Peoria is 9.6% lower than Ann Arbor (91.231 vs 100.88, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Ann Arbor to Peoria?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 377 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Peoria compared to Ann Arbor?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $128,838 in Peoria vs $523,391 in Ann Arbor — a 75.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Peoria, IL from Ann Arbor, MI?
The driving distance is 377 mi and the route typically takes 7h 13m via I 94 and I 80. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Ann Arbor vs Peoria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,716 in Peoria vs $81,089 in Ann Arbor — a 27.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Peoria compare to Ann Arbor?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,610 in the Peoria MSA vs $49,690 in the Ann Arbor MSA, on total employment of 165,240 and 215,300 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Ann Arbor.
City profiles: Ann Arbor, MI · Peoria, IL.