Moving from Peoria, IL to Milwaukee, WI
Relocating between Peoria, IL and Milwaukee, WI is a 225 mi drive — 4h 22m 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.
225 mi · 4h 22m by car · WI → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | WI → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 39, US 51, US 45 |
| Major cities en route | Rockford |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Peoria | Milwaukee | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.231 | 96.937 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.504 | 91.59 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.643 | 93.787 | 100.0 |
| Services | 63.763 | 97.111 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 6.3% above Peoria — 91.231 → 96.937 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
6.3% jump on the typical home value — a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Peoria +7.4%, Milwaukee +3.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Peoria | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 48°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 14°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 83°F |
| Annual snowfall | 26.2" | 39.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.6" | 33.8" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 39.5 in of snowfall annually at Milwaukee.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US, MT MARY COLLEGE, WI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Peoria | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 112,126 | 569,756 |
| Median household income | $58,716 | $51,888 |
| Median age | 35.8 | 32.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.6% | 17.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.29 | 2.47 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 6.3% lower in Milwaukee than Peoria.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Milwaukee MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 96,990 | $45,330 |
| Production Occupations | 76,240 | $46,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 72,420 | $39,810 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 71,930 | $38,320 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 66,240 | $29,690 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Wisconsin
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Wisconsin'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
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin — check 511wi.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Milwaukee averages 39.5 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- 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 Wisconsin after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Milwaukee compare to Peoria?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,460 in the Milwaukee MSA vs $46,610 in the Peoria MSA, on total employment of 814,950 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 Milwaukee?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 225 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Peoria vs Milwaukee?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,888 in Milwaukee vs $58,716 in Peoria — a 11.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Milwaukee compared to Peoria?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $220,137 in Milwaukee vs $128,838 in Peoria — a 70.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Milwaukee, WI from Peoria, IL?
The driving distance is 225 mi and the route typically takes 4h 22m via I 39 and US 51. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Peoria and Milwaukee?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 48.3°F in Milwaukee vs 52.7°F in Peoria (4.4°F colder). Annual snowfall: 39.5 in vs 26.2 in. Annual precipitation: 33.8 in vs 37.6 in.
Is Milwaukee more expensive than Peoria?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Milwaukee is 6.3% higher than Peoria (96.937 vs 91.231, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Peoria.
City profiles: Peoria, IL · Milwaukee, WI.