Moving from Springfield, MA to Peoria, IL
The drive from Springfield, MA to Peoria, IL runs 1055 mi β about 19h 58m 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.
1055 mi Β· 19h 58m by car Β· MA β CT β NY β PA β OH β IN β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | MA β CT β NY β PA β OH β IN β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 84, I 90 |
| Major cities en route | Hartford, New Haven, Waterbury, Bridgeport, Stamford |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Springfield | Peoria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 96.061 | 91.231 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 154.996 | 90.504 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.015 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 75.781 | 63.763 | 100.0 |
Peoria is 5.0% cheaper than Springfield overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Peoria is 5.0% below Springfield β $294,613 vs $128,838 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Springfield +3.5%, Peoria +7.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Springfield | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 18Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 26.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 45.2" | 37.6" |
Annual average temperatures in Springfield (49.4Β°F) and Peoria (52.7Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Peoria averages 26.2 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WESTFIELD BARNES MUNI AP, MA US, PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Springfield | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 154,751 | 112,126 |
| Median household income | $51,339 | $58,716 |
| Median age | 33.7 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 10.8% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.67 | 2.29 |
Income steps up 5.0%: $51,339 in Springfield vs $58,716 in Peoria.
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 Massachusetts 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
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy 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 far is Peoria, IL from Springfield, MA?
The driving distance is 1055 mi and the route typically takes 19h 58m via I 80 and I 84. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Springfield vs Peoria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,716 in Peoria vs $51,339 in Springfield β a 14.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Peoria more expensive than Springfield?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Peoria is 5.0% lower than Springfield (91.231 vs 96.061, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Springfield to Peoria?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1055 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Peoria compared to Springfield?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $128,838 in Peoria vs $294,613 in Springfield β a 56.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Springfield.
City profiles: Springfield, MA Β· Peoria, IL.