Moving from Peoria, IL to Thornton, CO
Relocating 923 mi from Peoria to Thornton is a 16h 14m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
923 mi · 16h 14m by car · CO → NE → IA → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | CO → NE → IA → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 76, IL 110 |
| Major cities en route | Lakewood, Arvada, Westminster, Boulder, Denver |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Peoria | Thornton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 91.231 | 105.782 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.504 | 87.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.643 | 100.957 | 100.0 |
| Services | 63.763 | 146.919 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 15.9% above Peoria — 91.231 → 105.782 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
15.9% jump on the typical home value — a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Peoria +7.4%, Thornton -3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Peoria | Thornton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 52°F |
| January avg low | 18°F | 19°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 91°F |
| Annual snowfall | 26.2" | 44.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.6" | 14.5" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 44.8 in of snowfall annually at Thornton.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US, NORTHGLENN, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Peoria | Thornton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 112,126 | 142,878 |
| Median household income | $58,716 | $100,985 |
| Median age | 35.8 | 34.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.6% | 22.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.29 | 2.88 |
Expect median household income to rise 15.9% — $58,716 → $100,985 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Thornton MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 173,910 | $49,000 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 172,890 | $48,280 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 164,250 | $84,370 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 140,150 | $36,010 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 129,510 | $45,350 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Colorado
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Colorado'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
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April — check CDOT alerts before departure.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Thornton averages 44.8 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Thornton average 91°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Thornton sees only 14.5 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- 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 Colorado after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Thornton more expensive than Peoria?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Thornton is 15.9% higher than Peoria (105.782 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 Thornton?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 923 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Thornton, CO from Peoria, IL?
The driving distance is 923 mi and the route typically takes 16h 14m via I 80 and I 76. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Thornton compared to Peoria?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $502,945 in Thornton vs $128,838 in Peoria — a 290.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
What is the climate difference between Peoria and Thornton?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 52.4°F in Thornton vs 52.7°F in Peoria (0.3°F colder). Annual snowfall: 44.8 in vs 26.2 in. Annual precipitation: 14.5 in vs 37.6 in.
How does household income compare in Peoria vs Thornton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $100,985 in Thornton vs $58,716 in Peoria — a 72.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Thornton compare to Peoria?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,490 in the Thornton MSA vs $46,610 in the Peoria MSA, on total employment of 1,590,330 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 · Thornton, CO.