Moving from Madison, WI to Peoria, IL
Moving from Madison, WI to Peoria, IL covers 209 mi and about 4h 9m by car through 2 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.
209 mi · 4h 9m by car · WI → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | WI → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 39, US 51, I 90 |
| Major cities en route | Rockford |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Madison | Peoria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.287 | 91.231 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.825 | 90.504 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.748 | 63.763 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 97.287 to 91.231, putting Peoria roughly 6.2% below Madison on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Peoria: 6.2% below Madison on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Madison +2.4%, Peoria +7.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Madison | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 11°F | 18°F |
| July avg high | 82°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | — | 26.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.2" | 37.6" |
Peoria runs 5.5°F warmer on the annual average (47.2°F vs 52.7°F, NOAA 1991–2020).
Heavy-snow city: expect 26.2 in of snowfall annually at Peoria.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: UW ARBORETUM - MADISON, WI US, PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Madison | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 275,568 | 112,126 |
| Median household income | $76,983 | $58,716 |
| Median age | 31.8 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.5% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.19 | 2.29 |
Median household income in Peoria is 6.2% below Madison ($76,983 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 Wisconsin 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.
Winter driving along this route
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin — check 511wi.
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 — 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 Madison?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,610 in the Peoria MSA vs $50,910 in the Madison MSA, on total employment of 165,240 and 396,960 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Peoria, IL from Madison, WI?
The driving distance is 209 mi and the route typically takes 4h 9m via I 39 and US 51. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Peoria compared to Madison?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $128,838 in Peoria vs $423,767 in Madison — a 69.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Madison 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 209 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Madison vs Peoria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,716 in Peoria vs $76,983 in Madison — a 23.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Peoria more expensive than Madison?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Peoria is 6.2% lower than Madison (91.231 vs 97.287, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Madison.
City profiles: Madison, WI · Peoria, IL.