Moving from Durham, NC to Peoria, IL
Relocating 804 mi from Durham to Peoria is a 15h 34m drive through 6 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
804 mi Β· 15h 34m by car Β· NC β VA β WV β OH β IN β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | NC β VA β WV β OH β IN β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 74, US 35, I 77 |
| Major cities en route | Raleigh, Cary, Greensboro, High Point, Winston Salem |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Durham | Peoria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.572 | 91.231 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.317 | 90.504 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.621 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 98.934 | 63.763 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 6.5% moving from Durham to Peoria β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $396,395 in Durham to $128,838 in Peoria, a 6.5% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Durham -2.5%, Peoria +7.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Durham | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 28Β°F | 18Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 26.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.6" | 37.6" |
Expect 5.7Β°F colder year-round on the 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: DURHAM, NC US, PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Durham | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 288,465 | 112,126 |
| Median household income | $79,234 | $58,716 |
| Median age | 34.8 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 28.8% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.34 | 2.29 |
Expect median household income to fall 6.5% β $79,234 β $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 North Carolina 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.
Winter driving along this route
- I-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-64 across Afton Mountain and I-77 at Fancy Gap see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
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 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 far is Peoria, IL from Durham, NC?
The driving distance is 804 mi and the route typically takes 15h 34m via I 74 and US 35. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Peoria compared to Durham?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $128,838 in Peoria vs $396,395 in Durham β a 67.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Durham to Peoria?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 804 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Peoria more expensive than Durham?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Peoria is 6.5% lower than Durham (91.231 vs 97.572, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Peoria compare to Durham?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,610 in the Peoria MSA vs $58,480 in the Durham MSA, on total employment of 165,240 and 336,100 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Durham vs Peoria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,716 in Peoria vs $79,234 in Durham β a 25.9% 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 Durham.
City profiles: Durham, NC Β· Peoria, IL.