Moving from St. Louis, MO to Peoria, IL
Relocating between St. Louis, MO and Peoria, IL is a 176 mi drive β 3h 22m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
176 mi Β· 3h 22m by car Β· MO β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 55, I 155, US 40 |
| Major cities en route | Springfield |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| St. Louis | Peoria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.088 | 91.231 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 69.921 | 90.504 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.996 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.024 | 63.763 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: St. Louis β, Peoria +7.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | St. Louis | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 58Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 25Β°F | 18Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 26.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 43.9" | 37.6" |
Expect 5.3Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Heavy-snow city: expect 26.2 in of snowfall annually at Peoria.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ST LOUIS SCI CTR, MO US, PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | St. Louis | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 293,109 | 112,126 |
| Median household income | $55,279 | $58,716 |
| Median age | 36.6 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 22% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.03 | 2.29 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 4.1% higher in Peoria than St. Louis.
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 Missouri 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.
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 the job market in Peoria compare to St. Louis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,610 in the Peoria MSA vs $47,490 in the St. Louis MSA, on total employment of 165,240 and 1,325,480 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from St. Louis to Peoria?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 176 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Peoria, IL from St. Louis, MO?
The driving distance is 176 mi and the route typically takes 3h 22m via I 55 and I 155. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in St. Louis vs Peoria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,716 in Peoria vs $55,279 in St. Louis β a 6.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Peoria more expensive than St. Louis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Peoria is 4.1% lower than St. Louis (91.231 vs 95.088, 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 St. Louis.
City profiles: St. Louis, MO Β· Peoria, IL.