Moving from Phoenix, AZ to Peoria, IL
A 1667 mi cross-country move between Phoenix and Peoria is 29h 9m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 6 states. Nearly every household line β rent, taxes, climate, commute β usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
1667 mi Β· 29h 9m by car Β· AZ β NM β TX β OK β MO β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ β NM β TX β OK β MO β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 44, I 17 |
| Major cities en route | Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Tempe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Phoenix | Peoria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.316 | 91.231 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.332 | 90.504 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.024 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 121.236 | 63.763 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 11.7% moving from Phoenix to Peoria β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $410,169 in Phoenix to $128,838 in Peoria, a 11.7% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Phoenix -2.7%, Peoria +7.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Phoenix | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 73Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 44Β°F | 18Β°F |
| July avg high | 104Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 26.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 8.9" | 37.6" |
Annual average temperature drops 19.8Β°F β 72.5Β°F in Phoenix vs 52.7Β°F in Peoria, per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Peoria sees 26.2 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: PHOENIX DEER VALLEY MUNI AP, AZ US, PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Phoenix | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,624,832 | 112,126 |
| Median household income | $77,041 | $58,716 |
| Median age | 34.8 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.9% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.7 | 2.29 |
Peoria households earn about 11.7% less than Phoenix at the median β $77,041 β $58,716 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Peoria MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 17,760 | $41,540 |
| Production Occupations | 15,910 | $46,610 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 13,790 | $29,380 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 13,580 | $38,870 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 13,350 | $71,500 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Arizona and Illinois
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Illinois'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
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Peoria averages 26.2 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (19.8Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- 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 Illinois after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Phoenix vs Peoria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,716 in Peoria vs $77,041 in Phoenix β a 23.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Peoria compared to Phoenix?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $128,838 in Peoria vs $410,169 in Phoenix β a 68.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Peoria, IL from Phoenix, AZ?
The driving distance is 1667 mi and the route typically takes 29h 9m via I 40 and I 44. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Phoenix to Peoria?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1667 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Peoria compare to Phoenix?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,610 in the Peoria MSA vs $48,600 in the Phoenix MSA, on total employment of 165,240 and 2,289,130 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Peoria more expensive than Phoenix?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Peoria is 11.7% lower than Phoenix (91.231 vs 103.316, 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 Phoenix.
City profiles: Phoenix, AZ Β· Peoria, IL.