Moving from Peoria, IL to Memphis, TN
The 462 mi from Peoria to Memphis translate to about 8h 31m behind the wheel through 4 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.
462 mi · 8h 31m by car · TN → AR → MO → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | TN → AR → MO → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 55, US 78, I 155 |
| Major cities en route | St Louis, Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Peoria | Memphis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.231 | 92.179 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.504 | 74.097 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.643 | 96.221 | 100.0 |
| Services | 63.763 | 79.807 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Peoria (91.231) and Memphis (92.179) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing step-up: Memphis at $144,710 is 1.0% above Peoria at $128,838.
YoY change: Peoria +7.4%, Memphis -3.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Peoria | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 63°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 33°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 92°F |
| Annual snowfall | 26.2" | 2.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.6" | 54.9" |
Climate warms by 10.7°F on the annual average — 52.7°F → 63.4°F.
Light snow year: Memphis gets around 2.7 in annually.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US, MEMPHIS INTL AP, TN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Peoria | Memphis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 112,126 | 629,063 |
| Median household income | $58,716 | $51,211 |
| Median age | 35.8 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.6% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.29 | 2.47 |
Income steps down 1.0%: $58,716 in Peoria vs $51,211 in Memphis.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Memphis MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 106,230 | $38,330 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 83,120 | $40,640 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 51,140 | $28,230 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 50,680 | $32,680 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 39,480 | $73,120 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Tennessee
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Tennessee'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.
Winter driving along this route
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Memphis average 92°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Memphis averages 54.9 in of annual precipitation — waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (10.7°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 Tennessee after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Memphis, TN from Peoria, IL?
The driving distance is 462 mi and the route typically takes 8h 31m via I 55 and US 78. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Memphis compared to Peoria?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $144,710 in Memphis vs $128,838 in Peoria — a 12.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Peoria vs Memphis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,211 in Memphis vs $58,716 in Peoria — a 12.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Memphis more expensive than Peoria?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Memphis is 1.0% higher than Peoria (92.179 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 Memphis?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 462 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 Memphis?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 63.4°F in Memphis vs 52.7°F in Peoria (10.7°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 2.7 in vs 26.2 in. Annual precipitation: 54.9 in vs 37.6 in.
How does the job market in Memphis compare to Peoria?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $43,400 in the Memphis MSA vs $46,610 in the Peoria MSA, on total employment of 625,340 and 165,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Peoria.
City profiles: Peoria, IL · Memphis, TN.