Moving from Peoria, IL to Cincinnati, OH
The 326 mi from Peoria to Cincinnati translate to about 6h 6m behind the wheel through 3 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
326 mi · 6h 6m by car · OH → IN → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | OH → IN → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 74, US 52, US 27 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Peoria | Cincinnati | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.231 | 95.37 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.504 | 90.954 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.643 | 93.751 | 100.0 |
| Services | 63.763 | 87.608 | 100.0 |
Cincinnati and Peoria are close on the overall BEA RPP (91.231 vs 95.37); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Cincinnati typical home at $249,568 is 4.5% above Peoria at $128,838 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Peoria +7.4%, Cincinnati +1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Peoria | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 55°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 24°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 87°F |
| Annual snowfall | 26.2" | — |
| Annual precipitation | 37.6" | 43.4" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 52.7°F vs 54.8°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US, CINCINNATI LUNKEN AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Peoria | Cincinnati |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 112,126 | 309,595 |
| Median household income | $58,716 | $51,707 |
| Median age | 35.8 | 33 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.6% | 23.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.29 | 2.17 |
Income steps down 4.5%: $58,716 in Peoria vs $51,707 in Cincinnati.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Cincinnati MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 134,320 | $43,760 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 114,420 | $40,930 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 103,690 | $29,030 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 91,020 | $35,670 |
| Production Occupations | 77,510 | $44,290 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Ohio
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Ohio'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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Cincinnati compare to Peoria?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,280 in the Cincinnati MSA vs $46,610 in the Peoria MSA, on total employment of 1,081,800 and 165,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Cincinnati more expensive than Peoria?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cincinnati is 4.5% higher than Peoria (95.37 vs 91.231, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Peoria to Cincinnati?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 326 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Cincinnati compared to Peoria?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $249,568 in Cincinnati vs $128,838 in Peoria — a 93.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Cincinnati, OH from Peoria, IL?
The driving distance is 326 mi and the route typically takes 6h 6m via I 74 and US 52. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Peoria vs Cincinnati?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,707 in Cincinnati vs $58,716 in Peoria — a 11.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Peoria.
City profiles: Peoria, IL · Cincinnati, OH.