Moving from Austin, TX to Peoria, IL
Relocating 997 mi from Austin to Peoria is a 18h 25m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
997 mi · 18h 25m by car · TX → OK → MO → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | TX → OK → MO → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 44, US 69, US 75 |
| Major cities en route | Round Rock, Killeen, Waco, Arlington, Grand Prairie |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Austin | Peoria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 98.066 | 91.231 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 82.044 | 90.504 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 120.361 | 63.763 | 100.0 |
Expect about 7.0% lower overall cost of living — BEA RPP 2024 has Peoria at 91.231 vs Austin at 98.066.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 7.0% lower home prices — ZHVI goes from $508,530 to $128,838 moving to Peoria.
YoY change: Austin -5.7%, Peoria +7.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Austin | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 70°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 42°F | 18°F |
| July avg high | 97°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.2" | 26.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 36.3" | 37.6" |
Expect 17.3°F colder on average per year — plan for heating load and winter gear.
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: AUSTIN-CAMP MABRY, TX US, PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Austin | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 967,862 | 112,126 |
| Median household income | $91,461 | $58,716 |
| Median age | 34.5 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 36.2% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.2 | 2.29 |
Expect median household income to fall 7.0% — $91,461 → $58,716 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 — 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a much snowier climate — Peoria averages 26.2 in annually vs 0.2 in at origin. Don't bury the winter gear in a hard-to-reach box.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (17.3°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
What is the climate difference between Austin and Peoria?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 52.7°F in Peoria vs 70.0°F in Austin (17.3°F colder). Annual snowfall: 26.2 in vs 0.2 in. Annual precipitation: 37.6 in vs 36.3 in.
How does the job market in Peoria compare to Austin?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,610 in the Peoria MSA vs $50,070 in the Austin MSA, on total employment of 165,240 and 1,235,440 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Austin 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 997 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Peoria, IL from Austin, TX?
The driving distance is 997 mi and the route typically takes 18h 25m via I 44 and US 69. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Peoria compared to Austin?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $128,838 in Peoria vs $508,530 in Austin — a 74.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Austin vs Peoria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,716 in Peoria vs $91,461 in Austin — a 35.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Peoria more expensive than Austin?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Peoria is 7.0% lower than Austin (91.231 vs 98.066, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Austin.
City profiles: Austin, TX · Peoria, IL.