Moving from Kansas City, KS to Peoria, IL
Moving from Kansas City, KS to Peoria, IL covers 394 mi and about 7h 33m 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.
394 mi · 7h 33m by car · KS → MO → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | KS → MO → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 36, MO 110, I 72 |
| Major cities en route | Overland Park, Olathe, Kansas City, Independence, Lee S Summit |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Kansas City | Peoria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 92.543 | 91.231 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.034 | 90.504 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 94.12 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.642 | 63.763 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Kansas City (92.543) 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 Kansas City on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Kansas City +1.0%, Peoria +7.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Kansas City | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 57°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 22°F | 18°F |
| July avg high | 90°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 11.0" | 26.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 38.1" | 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: KANSAS CITY DOWNTOWN AP, MO US, PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Kansas City | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 154,776 | 112,126 |
| Median household income | $59,183 | $58,716 |
| Median age | 34 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.6% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 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 Kansas 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 far is Peoria, IL from Kansas City, KS?
The driving distance is 394 mi and the route typically takes 7h 33m via US 36 and MO 110. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Kansas City and Peoria?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 52.7°F in Peoria vs 56.9°F in Kansas City (4.2°F colder). Annual snowfall: 26.2 in vs 11.0 in. Annual precipitation: 37.6 in vs 38.1 in.
Is Peoria more expensive than Kansas City?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Peoria is 1.4% lower than Kansas City (91.231 vs 92.543, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Kansas City 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 394 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Peoria compare to Kansas City?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,610 in the Peoria MSA vs $48,040 in the Kansas City MSA, on total employment of 165,240 and 1,078,310 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Peoria compared to Kansas City?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $128,838 in Peoria vs $198,195 in Kansas City — a 35.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Kansas City vs Peoria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,716 in Peoria vs $59,183 in Kansas City — a 0.8% 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 Kansas City.
City profiles: Kansas City, KS · Peoria, IL.