Moving from Modesto, CA to Peoria, IL
Cross-country relocations like Modesto, CA β Peoria, IL cover 2047 mi and about 35h 4m of driving through 7 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
2047 mi Β· 35h 4m by car Β· CA β NV β UT β WY β NE β IA β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | CA β NV β UT β WY β NE β IA β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, IL 110, CA 99 |
| Major cities en route | Stockton, Elk Grove, Sacramento, Roseville, Reno |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Modesto | Peoria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.108 | 91.231 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 152.259 | 90.504 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.168 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 108.476 | 63.763 | 100.0 |
Overall prices in Peoria are 12.4% below Modesto β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Peoria typical home at $128,838 is 12.4% under Modesto at $446,494 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Modesto -0.7%, Peoria +7.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Modesto | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 39Β°F | 18Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 26.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 12.3" | 37.6" |
Climate cools by 10.4Β°F on the annual average β 63.1Β°F β 52.7Β°F.
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: MODESTO CITY CO AP, CA US, PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Modesto | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,614 | 112,126 |
| Median household income | $77,899 | $58,716 |
| Median age | 35.4 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.8% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 3.02 | 2.29 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 12.4% between Modesto and Peoria (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 California 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
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
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 (10.4Β°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 Modesto?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Peoria is 12.4% lower than Modesto (91.231 vs 104.108, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Modesto vs Peoria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,716 in Peoria vs $77,899 in Modesto β a 24.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Peoria compared to Modesto?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $128,838 in Peoria vs $446,494 in Modesto β a 71.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Peoria, IL from Modesto, CA?
The driving distance is 2047 mi and the route typically takes 35h 4m via I 80 and IL 110. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Modesto to Peoria?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2047 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Peoria compare to Modesto?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,610 in the Peoria MSA vs $47,720 in the Modesto MSA, on total employment of 165,240 and 192,020 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Modesto.
City profiles: Modesto, CA Β· Peoria, IL.