Moving from Peoria, IL to Columbia, MO
Relocating between Peoria, IL and Columbia, MO is a 276 mi drive — 5h 23m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
276 mi · 5h 23m by car · MO → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | MO → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 72, US 36, IL 110 |
| Major cities en route | Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Peoria | Columbia | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.231 | 89.438 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.504 | 85.966 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.643 | 94.193 | 100.0 |
| Services | 63.763 | 69.248 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 91.231 vs 89.438 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 2.0% higher home prices — ZHVI goes from $128,838 to $321,091 moving to Columbia.
YoY change: Peoria +7.4%, Columbia +2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Peoria | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 56°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 23°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 89°F |
| Annual snowfall | 26.2" | 17.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.6" | 44.8" |
Annual average temperatures in Peoria (52.7°F) and Columbia (56.2°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Columbia averages 17.4 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US, COLUMBIA U OF M, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Peoria | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 112,126 | 127,200 |
| Median household income | $58,716 | $64,488 |
| Median age | 35.8 | 29.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.6% | 30.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.29 | 2.48 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 2.0% higher in Columbia than Peoria.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Columbia MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 11,920 | $39,450 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 10,570 | $28,450 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 9,410 | $73,610 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 8,040 | $48,850 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 7,510 | $32,430 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Missouri
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Missouri'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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Columbia averages 17.4 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Tornadoes are common April through June — identify a safe room or interior space on day one.
- 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 Missouri after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Peoria vs Columbia?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,488 in Columbia vs $58,716 in Peoria — a 9.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Columbia more expensive than Peoria?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Columbia is 2.0% lower than Peoria (89.438 vs 91.231, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Columbia, MO from Peoria, IL?
The driving distance is 276 mi and the route typically takes 5h 23m via I 72 and US 36. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Columbia compared to Peoria?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $321,091 in Columbia vs $128,838 in Peoria — a 149.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Columbia compare to Peoria?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,410 in the Columbia MSA vs $46,610 in the Peoria MSA, on total employment of 97,940 and 165,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Peoria to Columbia?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 276 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
What is the climate difference between Peoria and Columbia?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 56.2°F in Columbia vs 52.7°F in Peoria (3.5°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 17.4 in vs 26.2 in. Annual precipitation: 44.8 in vs 37.6 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Peoria.
City profiles: Peoria, IL · Columbia, MO.