Moving from Allentown, PA to Peoria, IL
The drive from Allentown, PA to Peoria, IL runs 834 mi — about 16h 5m 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.
834 mi · 16h 5m by car · PA → WV → OH → IN → IL
Distance & route
| Route through | PA → WV → OH → IN → IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 70, I 74, I 76 |
| Major cities en route | Pittsburgh, Columbus, Dayton |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Allentown | Peoria | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 99.968 | 91.231 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 107.591 | 90.504 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 100.569 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 105.52 | 63.763 | 100.0 |
Peoria is 8.7% cheaper than Allentown overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Peoria is 8.7% below Allentown — $309,699 vs $128,838 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Allentown +3.8%, Peoria +7.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Allentown | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53°F | 53°F |
| January avg low | 22°F | 18°F |
| July avg high | 86°F | 86°F |
| Annual snowfall | 33.1" | 26.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 47.4" | 37.6" |
Annual average temperatures in Allentown (53.1°F) and Peoria (52.7°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Peoria averages 26.2 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ALLENTOWN INTL AP, PA US, PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Allentown | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 125,320 | 112,126 |
| Median household income | $53,403 | $58,716 |
| Median age | 32.4 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.9% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.72 | 2.29 |
Income steps up 8.7%: $53,403 in Allentown 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 Pennsylvania 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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- I-77 at Flat Top Mountain and I-64 through the Greenbrier Valley 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 — 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 Allentown, PA?
The driving distance is 834 mi and the route typically takes 16h 5m via I 70 and I 74. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Peoria more expensive than Allentown?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Peoria is 8.7% lower than Allentown (91.231 vs 99.968, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Allentown and Peoria?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 52.7°F in Peoria vs 53.1°F in Allentown (0.4°F colder). Annual snowfall: 26.2 in vs 33.1 in. Annual precipitation: 37.6 in vs 47.4 in.
How does household income compare in Allentown vs Peoria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,716 in Peoria vs $53,403 in Allentown — a 9.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Peoria compared to Allentown?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $128,838 in Peoria vs $309,699 in Allentown — a 58.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Allentown to Peoria?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 834 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Peoria compare to Allentown?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,610 in the Peoria MSA vs $46,940 in the Allentown MSA, on total employment of 165,240 and 368,680 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Allentown.
City profiles: Allentown, PA · Peoria, IL.