Moving from Miami Gardens, FL to Peoria, IL
It is 1328 mi between Miami Gardens and Peoria β roughly 24h 37m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 5 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
1328 mi Β· 24h 37m by car Β· IL β KY β TN β GA β FL
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β KY β TN β GA β FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 75, I 24, GA 540 |
| Major cities en route | Springfield, Clarksville, Murfreesboro, Chattanooga, Sandy Springs |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Miami Gardens | Peoria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 114.155 | 91.231 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 97.235 | 90.504 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.556 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 155.551 | 63.763 | 100.0 |
You are looking at a 20.1% cheaper overall price level β 114.155 β 91.231 on the latest BEA Regional Price Parities.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
20.1% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Miami Gardens -2.9%, Peoria +7.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Miami Gardens | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 76Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 59Β°F | 18Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 26.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 68.3" | 37.6" |
Annual average temperature gap of 23.3Β°F β a meaningful climate change across the move.
Heavy-snow city: expect 26.2 in of snowfall annually at Peoria.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: N MIAMI BEACH #2, FL US, PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Miami Gardens | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 111,264 | 112,126 |
| Median household income | $60,979 | $58,716 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 11.6% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 3.22 | 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 Florida 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.
Winter driving along this route
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
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 β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (23.3Β°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
When is the best time to move from Miami Gardens to Peoria?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1328 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Peoria more expensive than Miami Gardens?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Peoria is 20.1% lower than Miami Gardens (91.231 vs 114.155, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Peoria, IL from Miami Gardens, FL?
The driving distance is 1328 mi and the route typically takes 24h 37m via I 75 and I 24. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Miami Gardens vs Peoria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,716 in Peoria vs $60,979 in Miami Gardens β a 3.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Peoria compare to Miami Gardens?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,610 in the Peoria MSA vs $46,510 in the Miami Gardens MSA, on total employment of 165,240 and 2,721,490 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Peoria compared to Miami Gardens?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $128,838 in Peoria vs $469,434 in Miami Gardens β a 72.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Miami Gardens.
City profiles: Miami Gardens, FL Β· Peoria, IL.