Moving from Kansas City, MO to Peoria, IL
The 385 mi from Kansas City to Peoria translate to about 7h 18m 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.
385 mi · 7h 18m by car · MO → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | MO → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 36, MO 110, I 72 |
| Major cities en route | Overland Park, Olathe, Independence, Lee S Summit, Kansas City |
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 |
Overall cost of living in Peoria and Kansas City is within ±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) — plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Peoria is 1.4% below Kansas City — $250,208 vs $128,838 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Kansas City +0.8%, 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" |
Annual average temperatures in Kansas City (56.9°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: KANSAS CITY DOWNTOWN AP, MO US, PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Kansas City | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 508,233 | 112,126 |
| Median household income | $67,449 | $58,716 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 23.8% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.32 | 2.29 |
Income steps down 1.4%: $67,449 in Kansas City vs $58,716 in Peoria.
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 Missouri 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
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 385 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
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.
How far is Peoria, IL from Kansas City, MO?
The driving distance is 385 mi and the route typically takes 7h 18m via US 36 and MO 110. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
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.
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 $250,208 in Kansas City — a 48.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
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 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 $67,449 in Kansas City — a 12.9% 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 Kansas City.
City profiles: Kansas City, MO · Peoria, IL.