Moving from Palm Bay, FL to Peoria, IL
The drive from Palm Bay, FL to Peoria, IL runs 1185 mi β about 22h 17m 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.
1185 mi Β· 22h 17m by car Β· FL β GA β TN β KY β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | FL β GA β TN β KY β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 75, I 24, I 57 |
| Major cities en route | Orlando, Gainesville, South Fulton, Atlanta, Sandy Springs |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Palm Bay | Peoria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.005 | 91.231 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.064 | 90.504 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.24 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.731 | 63.763 | 100.0 |
RPP moves from 100.005 to 91.231, putting Peoria roughly 8.8% below Palm Bay on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Peoria: 8.8% below Palm Bay on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Palm Bay -4.0%, Peoria +7.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Palm Bay | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 73Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 49Β°F | 18Β°F |
| July avg high | 91Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 26.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 55.6" | 37.6" |
Major climate step-down: 19.9Β°F cooler annual average in Peoria vs Palm Bay.
Heavy-snow city: expect 26.2 in of snowfall annually at Peoria.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PALM BAY, FL US, PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Palm Bay | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 125,273 | 112,126 |
| Median household income | $67,521 | $58,716 |
| Median age | 41.3 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 14.4% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.82 | 2.29 |
Income steps down 8.8%: $67,521 in Palm Bay 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 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-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees 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 (19.9Β°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 much do homes cost in Peoria compared to Palm Bay?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $128,838 in Peoria vs $302,461 in Palm Bay β a 57.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Peoria more expensive than Palm Bay?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Peoria is 8.8% lower than Palm Bay (91.231 vs 100.005, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Peoria compare to Palm Bay?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,610 in the Peoria MSA vs $46,290 in the Palm Bay MSA, on total employment of 165,240 and 236,890 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Palm Bay vs Peoria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,716 in Peoria vs $67,521 in Palm Bay β a 13.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Peoria, IL from Palm Bay, FL?
The driving distance is 1185 mi and the route typically takes 22h 17m via I 75 and I 24. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Palm Bay to Peoria?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1185 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 Palm Bay.
City profiles: Palm Bay, FL Β· Peoria, IL.