Moving from Des Moines, IA to Peoria, IL
Relocating between Des Moines, IA and Peoria, IL is a 263 mi drive — 4h 54m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
263 mi · 4h 54m by car · IA → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | IA → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, IL 110, I 235 |
| Major cities en route | Cedar Rapids |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Des Moines | Peoria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.701 | 91.231 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.585 | 90.504 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.73 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 84.741 | 63.763 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 91.701 vs 91.231 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 0.5% lower home prices — ZHVI goes from $208,166 to $128,838 moving to Peoria.
YoY change: Des Moines +0.8%, Peoria +7.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Des Moines | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 14°F | 18°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 36.5" | 26.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 36.6" | 37.6" |
Annual average temperatures in Des Moines (50.9°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: DES MOINES INTL AP, IA US, PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Des Moines | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,464 | 112,126 |
| Median household income | $63,966 | $58,716 |
| Median age | 34.6 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.29 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 0.5% lower in Peoria than Des Moines.
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 Iowa 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
- 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 Des Moines and Peoria?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 52.7°F in Peoria vs 50.9°F in Des Moines (1.8°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 26.2 in vs 36.5 in. Annual precipitation: 37.6 in vs 36.6 in.
How much do homes cost in Peoria compared to Des Moines?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $128,838 in Peoria vs $208,166 in Des Moines — a 38.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Des Moines 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 263 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Peoria more expensive than Des Moines?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Peoria is 0.5% lower than Des Moines (91.231 vs 91.701, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Peoria, IL from Des Moines, IA?
The driving distance is 263 mi and the route typically takes 4h 54m via I 80 and IL 110. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Des Moines vs Peoria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,716 in Peoria vs $63,966 in Des Moines — a 8.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Peoria compare to Des Moines?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,610 in the Peoria MSA vs $49,550 in the Des Moines MSA, on total employment of 165,240 and 383,190 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 Des Moines.
City profiles: Des Moines, IA · Peoria, IL.