Moving from Dearborn, MI to Peoria, IL
Moving from Dearborn, MI to Peoria, IL covers 407 mi and about 7h 44m by car through 3 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully — the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
407 mi · 7h 44m by car · IL → IN → MI
Distance & route
| Route through | IL → IN → MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 94, IL 29 |
| Major cities en route | Joliet, Aurora, Naperville, Chicago, South Bend |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Dearborn | Peoria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.298 | 91.231 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 106.988 | 90.504 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 98.817 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 94.69 | 63.763 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Peoria are 9.0% below Dearborn — a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Peoria typical home at $128,838 is 9.0% under Dearborn at $245,068 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Dearborn +4.3%, Peoria +7.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Dearborn | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 18°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 30.8" | 26.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 35.1" | 37.6" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 49.5°F vs 52.7°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Peoria sees 26.2 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: DEARBORN, MI US, PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Dearborn | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,846 | 112,126 |
| Median household income | $65,192 | $58,716 |
| Median age | 32.6 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.1% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.97 | 2.29 |
Median household income in Peoria is 9.0% below Dearborn ($65,192 → $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 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
How does the job market in Peoria compare to Dearborn?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,610 in the Peoria MSA vs $48,950 in the Dearborn MSA, on total employment of 165,240 and 1,900,180 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
What is the climate difference between Dearborn and Peoria?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 52.7°F in Peoria vs 49.5°F in Dearborn (3.2°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 26.2 in vs 30.8 in. Annual precipitation: 37.6 in vs 35.1 in.
How far is Peoria, IL from Dearborn, MI?
The driving distance is 407 mi and the route typically takes 7h 44m via I 80 and I 94. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Peoria more expensive than Dearborn?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Peoria is 9.0% lower than Dearborn (91.231 vs 100.298, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Dearborn vs Peoria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,716 in Peoria vs $65,192 in Dearborn — a 9.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Dearborn 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 407 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 Dearborn?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $128,838 in Peoria vs $245,068 in Dearborn — a 47.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Dearborn.
City profiles: Dearborn, MI · Peoria, IL.