Moving from Peoria, IL to Detroit, MI
Moving from Peoria, IL to Detroit, MI covers 412 mi and about 7h 53m by car through 3 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
412 mi Β· 7h 53m by car Β· MI β IN β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | MI β IN β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, I 80, IL 29 |
| Major cities en route | Warren, Sterling Heights, Dearborn, Ann Arbor, South Bend |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Peoria | Detroit | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.231 | 100.298 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.504 | 106.988 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.643 | 98.817 | 100.0 |
| Services | 63.763 | 94.69 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Detroit is 9.9% higher than Peoria, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Detroit is 9.9% below Peoria β $128,838 vs $75,358 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Peoria +7.4%, Detroit -3.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Peoria | Detroit |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 18Β°F | 19Β°F |
| July avg high | 86Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 26.2" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.6" | 34.9" |
Annual average temperatures in Peoria (52.7Β°F) and Detroit (50.3Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US, DEARBORN #2, MI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Peoria | Detroit |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 112,126 | 636,644 |
| Median household income | $58,716 | $39,575 |
| Median age | 35.8 | 35.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.6% | 10.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.29 | 2.51 |
Median household income in Detroit is 9.9% below Peoria ($58,716 vs $39,575, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Detroit MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 224,810 | $45,600 |
| Production Occupations | 186,670 | $44,740 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 165,670 | $40,090 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 160,290 | $36,830 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 153,090 | $30,480 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Michigan
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Michigan'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
- Lake-effect snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Peoria vs Detroit?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $39,575 in Detroit vs $58,716 in Peoria β a 32.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Detroit, MI from Peoria, IL?
The driving distance is 412 mi and the route typically takes 7h 53m via I 94 and I 80. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Peoria to Detroit?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 412 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Detroit more expensive than Peoria?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Detroit is 9.9% higher than Peoria (100.298 vs 91.231, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Detroit compare to Peoria?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,950 in the Detroit MSA vs $46,610 in the Peoria MSA, on total employment of 1,900,180 and 165,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Detroit compared to Peoria?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $75,358 in Detroit vs $128,838 in Peoria β a 41.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Peoria.
City profiles: Peoria, IL Β· Detroit, MI.