Moving from Mesquite, TX to Peoria, IL
The drive from Mesquite, TX to Peoria, IL runs 829 mi β about 15h 7m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
829 mi Β· 15h 7m by car Β· TX β AR β MO β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | TX β AR β MO β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 67, I 30, I 55 |
| Major cities en route | Dallas, Grand Prairie, Plano, Irving, Garland |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Mesquite | 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 |
RPP moves from 103.09 to 91.231, putting Peoria roughly 11.5% below Mesquite on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Peoria: 11.5% below Mesquite on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Mesquite -4.6%, Peoria +7.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Mesquite | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 66Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 36Β°F | 18Β°F |
| July avg high | 96Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 26.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.9" | 37.6" |
Climate cools by 13.3Β°F on the annual average β 66.0Β°F β 52.7Β°F.
Heavy-snow city: expect 26.2 in of snowfall annually at Peoria.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: FERRIS, TX US, PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Mesquite | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 148,848 | 112,126 |
| Median household income | $71,843 | $58,716 |
| Median age | 33.4 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 12.5% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.96 | 2.29 |
Income steps down 11.5%: $71,843 in Mesquite 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 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 (13.3Β°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 the job market in Peoria compare to Mesquite?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,610 in the Peoria MSA vs $48,440 in the Mesquite 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.
How much do homes cost in Peoria compared to Mesquite?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $128,838 in Peoria vs $262,121 in Mesquite β a 50.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Peoria, IL from Mesquite, TX?
The driving distance is 829 mi and the route typically takes 15h 7m via US 67 and I 30. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Mesquite vs Peoria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,716 in Peoria vs $71,843 in Mesquite β a 18.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Mesquite to Peoria?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 829 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Peoria more expensive than Mesquite?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Peoria is 11.5% lower than Mesquite (91.231 vs 103.09, 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 Mesquite.
City profiles: Mesquite, TX Β· Peoria, IL.