Moving from Mobile, AL to Peoria, IL
A move from Mobile, AL to Peoria, IL covers 837 mi and around 15h 50m of driving through 6 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
837 mi Β· 15h 50m by car Β· AL β MS β TN β AR β MO β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | AL β MS β TN β AR β MO β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 55, US 78, US 45 |
| Major cities en route | Memphis, St Louis, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Mobile | Peoria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 88.098 | 91.231 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.185 | 90.504 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 60.116 | 63.763 | 100.0 |
Peoria and Mobile are close on the overall BEA RPP (88.098 vs 91.231); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Peoria typical home at $128,838 is 3.6% under Mobile at $194,564 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Mobile -2.1%, Peoria +7.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Mobile | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 69Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 43Β°F | 18Β°F |
| July avg high | 92Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 26.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 60.5" | 37.6" |
NOAA normals show Peoria running 16.4Β°F below Mobile on the annual mean.
Significant snow at the destination: Peoria sees 26.2 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MOBILE DWTN AP, AL US, PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Mobile | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 185,097 | 112,126 |
| Median household income | $51,090 | $58,716 |
| Median age | 37.7 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.39 | 2.29 |
Median household income in Peoria is 3.6% above Mobile ($51,090 β $58,716, ACS 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 Alabama 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-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 (16.4Β°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
Is Peoria more expensive than Mobile?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Peoria is 3.6% higher than Mobile (91.231 vs 88.098, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Peoria, IL from Mobile, AL?
The driving distance is 837 mi and the route typically takes 15h 50m via I 55 and US 78. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Mobile vs Peoria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,716 in Peoria vs $51,090 in Mobile β a 14.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Peoria compared to Mobile?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $128,838 in Peoria vs $194,564 in Mobile β a 33.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Peoria compare to Mobile?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,610 in the Peoria MSA vs $41,660 in the Mobile MSA, on total employment of 165,240 and 169,730 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Mobile to Peoria?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 837 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Mobile.
City profiles: Mobile, AL Β· Peoria, IL.