Moving from Fort Wayne, IN to Peoria, IL
The 304 mi from Fort Wayne to Peoria translate to about 6h 12m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
304 mi · 6h 12m by car · IN → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | IN → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 74, US 24, US 35 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Fort Wayne | Peoria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.572 | 91.231 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 86.247 | 90.504 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.318 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 72.277 | 63.763 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Fort Wayne (92.572) and Peoria (91.231) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Peoria: 1.4% below Fort Wayne on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Fort Wayne +2.4%, Peoria +7.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Fort Wayne | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 18°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 33.6" | 26.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 39.5" | 37.6" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 26.2 in of snowfall annually at Peoria.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: FT WAYNE INTL AP, IN US, PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Fort Wayne | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 266,235 | 112,126 |
| Median household income | $60,293 | $58,716 |
| Median age | 35 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.4% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.43 | 2.29 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
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 Indiana 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
How does the job market in Peoria compare to Fort Wayne?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,610 in the Peoria MSA vs $44,600 in the Fort Wayne MSA, on total employment of 165,240 and 221,290 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Fort Wayne vs Peoria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,716 in Peoria vs $60,293 in Fort Wayne — a 2.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Peoria more expensive than Fort Wayne?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Peoria is 1.4% lower than Fort Wayne (91.231 vs 92.572, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Peoria, IL from Fort Wayne, IN?
The driving distance is 304 mi and the route typically takes 6h 12m via I 74 and US 24. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Fort Wayne and Peoria?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 52.7°F in Peoria vs 50.9°F in Fort Wayne (1.8°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 26.2 in vs 33.6 in. Annual precipitation: 37.6 in vs 39.5 in.
How much do homes cost in Peoria compared to Fort Wayne?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $128,838 in Peoria vs $242,385 in Fort Wayne — a 46.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Fort Wayne 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 304 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Fort Wayne.
City profiles: Fort Wayne, IN · Peoria, IL.