Moving from St. Paul, MN to Peoria, IL
The 459 mi from St. Paul to Peoria translate to about 8h 30m behind the wheel through 3 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
459 mi Β· 8h 30m by car Β· MN β WI β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | MN β WI β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, I 39, I 90 |
| Major cities en route | Minneapolis, Madison, Rockford |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| St. Paul | Peoria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.822 | 91.231 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.493 | 90.504 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.065 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.838 | 63.763 | 100.0 |
Peoria is 13.0% cheaper than St. Paul overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: St. Paul β, Peoria +7.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | St. Paul | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 9Β°F | 18Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 26.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 29.2" | 37.6" |
Climate warms by 6.2Β°F on the annual average β 46.5Β°F β 52.7Β°F.
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: ST PAUL DOWNTOWN AP, MN US, PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | St. Paul | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 307,762 | 112,126 |
| Median household income | $73,055 | $58,716 |
| Median age | 33.5 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.2% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 2.29 |
Income steps down 13.0%: $73,055 in St. Paul 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 Minnesota 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-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
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 St. Paul vs Peoria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,716 in Peoria vs $73,055 in St. Paul β a 19.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Peoria more expensive than St. Paul?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Peoria is 13.0% lower than St. Paul (91.231 vs 104.822, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from St. Paul to Peoria?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 459 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 St. Paul?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,610 in the Peoria MSA vs $54,850 in the St. Paul MSA, on total employment of 165,240 and 1,911,030 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Peoria, IL from St. Paul, MN?
The driving distance is 459 mi and the route typically takes 8h 30m via I 94 and I 39. The trip crosses 3 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 St. Paul.
City profiles: St. Paul, MN Β· Peoria, IL.