Moving from Peoria, IL to Pittsburgh, PA
The drive from Peoria, IL to Pittsburgh, PA runs 572 mi β about 11h on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
572 mi Β· 11h by car Β· PA β WV β OH β IN β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | PA β WV β OH β IN β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 74, I 79 |
| Major cities en route | Columbus, Dayton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Peoria | Pittsburgh | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.231 | 94.671 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.504 | 107.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.643 | 100.684 | 100.0 |
| Services | 63.763 | 71.986 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Pittsburgh and Peoria is within Β±5% on the BEA Regional Price Parity (2024) β plan your budget on category-level differences instead.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Pittsburgh is 3.8% above Peoria β $128,838 vs $237,533 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Peoria +7.4%, Pittsburgh -0.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Peoria | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 18Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 86Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 26.2" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.6" | 41.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Peoria (52.7Β°F) and Pittsburgh (52.4Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US, PITTSBURGH ALLEGHENY CO AP, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Peoria | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 112,126 | 303,620 |
| Median household income | $58,716 | $64,137 |
| Median age | 35.8 | 33.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.6% | 24.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.29 | 2.21 |
Income steps up 3.8%: $58,716 in Peoria vs $64,137 in Pittsburgh.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Pittsburgh MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 137,860 | $43,230 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 96,800 | $28,940 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 90,050 | $39,900 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 89,070 | $35,000 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 79,490 | $75,790 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Pennsylvania
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Pennsylvania'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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Pittsburgh compared to Peoria?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $237,533 in Pittsburgh vs $128,838 in Peoria β a 84.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Pittsburgh compare to Peoria?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,360 in the Pittsburgh MSA vs $46,610 in the Peoria MSA, on total employment of 1,071,900 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 Pittsburgh?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 572 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Pittsburgh more expensive than Peoria?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pittsburgh is 3.8% higher than Peoria (94.671 vs 91.231, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Pittsburgh, PA from Peoria, IL?
The driving distance is 572 mi and the route typically takes 11h via I 70 and I 74. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Peoria vs Pittsburgh?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $64,137 in Pittsburgh vs $58,716 in Peoria β a 9.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Peoria.
City profiles: Peoria, IL Β· Pittsburgh, PA.