Moving from Peoria, IL to Kansas City, KS
The 394 mi from Peoria to Kansas City translate to about 7h 33m 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.
394 mi · 7h 33m by car · KS → MO → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | KS → MO → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 36, MO 110, I 72 |
| Major cities en route | Overland Park, Olathe, Kansas City, Independence, Lee S Summit |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Peoria | Kansas City | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.231 | 92.543 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.504 | 89.034 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.643 | 94.12 | 100.0 |
| Services | 63.763 | 86.642 | 100.0 |
Kansas City and Peoria are close on the overall BEA RPP (91.231 vs 92.543); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Kansas City typical home at $198,195 is 1.4% above Peoria at $128,838 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Peoria +7.4%, Kansas City +1.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Peoria | Kansas City |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 57°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 22°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 90°F |
| Annual snowfall | 26.2" | 11.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.6" | 38.1" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 52.7°F vs 56.9°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Expect 11.0 in of snow annually at the destination — manageable with basic winter gear per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US, KANSAS CITY DOWNTOWN AP, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Peoria | Kansas City |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 112,126 | 154,776 |
| Median household income | $58,716 | $59,183 |
| Median age | 35.8 | 34 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.6% | 12.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.29 | 2.72 |
Household income lines up — $58,716 vs $59,183 on ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Kansas City MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 133,580 | $43,640 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 105,080 | $42,090 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 95,130 | $29,920 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 94,940 | $36,640 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 77,380 | $75,790 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Kansas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Kansas'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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Kansas City average 90°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Tornado season peaks April through June — identify a safe room or interior space in the new home 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 Kansas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Kansas City compare to Peoria?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,040 in the Kansas City MSA vs $46,610 in the Peoria MSA, on total employment of 1,078,310 and 165,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Peoria vs Kansas City?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $59,183 in Kansas City vs $58,716 in Peoria — a 0.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Kansas City more expensive than Peoria?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Kansas City is 1.4% higher than Peoria (92.543 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 Kansas City?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 394 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Kansas City compared to Peoria?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $198,195 in Kansas City vs $128,838 in Peoria — a 53.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Kansas City, KS from Peoria, IL?
The driving distance is 394 mi and the route typically takes 7h 33m via US 36 and MO 110. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Peoria and Kansas City?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 56.9°F in Kansas City vs 52.7°F in Peoria (4.2°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 11.0 in vs 26.2 in. Annual precipitation: 38.1 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 · Kansas City, KS.