Moving from Garland, TX to Peoria, IL
A move from Garland, TX to Peoria, IL covers 795 mi and around 14h 54m of driving through 4 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
795 mi Β· 14h 54m by car Β· TX β OK β MO β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β OK β MO β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 44, US 69, US 75 |
| Major cities en route | Dallas, Grand Prairie, Mesquite, Irving, Carrollton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Garland | Peoria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.09 | 91.231 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.711 | 90.504 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 102.838 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 117.874 | 63.763 | 100.0 |
Peoria is 11.5% cheaper than Garland overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Peoria is 11.5% below Garland β $286,805 vs $128,838 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Garland -5.4%, Peoria +7.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Garland | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 18Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 26.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 41.9" | 37.6" |
Peoria is 13.1Β°F cooler on the annual average (65.8Β°F vs 52.7Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Peoria averages 26.2 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: RICHARDSON, TX US, PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Garland | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 245,298 | 112,126 |
| Median household income | $74,717 | $58,716 |
| Median age | 34.7 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 16.3% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 3.04 | 2.29 |
Median household income in Peoria is 11.5% below Garland ($74,717 vs $58,716, ACS 5-year 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 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.
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.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (13.1Β°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
How does household income compare in Garland vs Peoria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,716 in Peoria vs $74,717 in Garland β a 21.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Peoria compare to Garland?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,610 in the Peoria MSA vs $48,440 in the Garland MSA, on total employment of 165,240 and 3,966,500 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Garland to Peoria?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 795 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Peoria more expensive than Garland?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Peoria is 11.5% lower than Garland (91.231 vs 103.09, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Peoria compared to Garland?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $128,838 in Peoria vs $286,805 in Garland β a 55.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Peoria, IL from Garland, TX?
The driving distance is 795 mi and the route typically takes 14h 54m via I 44 and US 69. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Garland.
City profiles: Garland, TX Β· Peoria, IL.