Moving from Sandy Springs, GA to Peoria, IL
It is 674 mi between Sandy Springs and Peoria β roughly 12h 49m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 4 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
674 mi Β· 12h 49m by car Β· IL β KY β TN β GA
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β KY β TN β GA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 24, I 75, I 57 |
| Major cities en route | Springfield, Clarksville, Murfreesboro, Chattanooga, Atlanta |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Sandy Springs | Peoria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.058 | 91.231 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 96.239 | 90.504 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.416 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.022 | 63.763 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 8.8% cheaper overall in Peoria than Sandy Springs on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
8.8% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Sandy Springs +2.8%, Peoria +7.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Sandy Springs | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 33Β°F | 18Β°F |
| July avg high | 89Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 26.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 51.4" | 37.6" |
Annual temperature drops 8.8Β°F moving to Peoria per NOAA normals.
Heavy-snow city: expect 26.2 in of snowfall annually at Peoria.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ATLANTA PEACHTREE AP, GA US, PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Sandy Springs | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 107,198 | 112,126 |
| Median household income | $101,593 | $58,716 |
| Median age | 37.1 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 39.8% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.06 | 2.29 |
Peoria households earn about 8.8% less than Sandy Springs at the median β $101,593 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 Georgia 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-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
- 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
- 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.
- 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 Sandy Springs vs Peoria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,716 in Peoria vs $101,593 in Sandy Springs β a 42.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Peoria compared to Sandy Springs?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $128,838 in Peoria vs $691,063 in Sandy Springs β a 81.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Sandy Springs to Peoria?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 674 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 Sandy Springs?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,610 in the Peoria MSA vs $48,370 in the Sandy Springs MSA, on total employment of 165,240 and 2,817,660 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Peoria more expensive than Sandy Springs?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Peoria is 8.8% lower than Sandy Springs (91.231 vs 100.058, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Peoria, IL from Sandy Springs, GA?
The driving distance is 674 mi and the route typically takes 12h 49m via I 24 and I 75. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Sandy Springs.
City profiles: Sandy Springs, GA Β· Peoria, IL.