Moving from Atlanta, GA to Peoria, IL
A move from Atlanta, GA to Peoria, IL covers 678 mi and around 12h 54m of driving through 4 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
678 mi Β· 12h 54m by car Β· GA β TN β KY β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | GA β TN β KY β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 24, I 75, I 57 |
| Major cities en route | South Fulton, Sandy Springs, Chattanooga, Murfreesboro, Clarksville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Atlanta | 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 |
Overall prices in Peoria are 8.8% below Atlanta β a mid-sized gap that shows up mostly in rent and services.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Peoria typical home at $128,838 is 8.8% under Atlanta at $385,599 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Atlanta -3.8%, Peoria +7.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Atlanta | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 62Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 34Β°F | 18Β°F |
| July avg high | 90Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 26.2" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.1" | 37.6" |
Peoria is 9.6Β°F cooler on the annual average (62.3Β°F vs 52.7Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Significant snow at the destination: Peoria sees 26.2 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ATLANTA FULTON CO AP, GA US, PEORIA GTR PEORIA AP, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Atlanta | Peoria |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 499,287 | 112,126 |
| Median household income | $81,938 | $58,716 |
| Median age | 34 | 35.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 32.8% | 21.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.16 | 2.29 |
Median household income in Peoria is 8.8% below Atlanta ($81,938 vs $58,716, ACS 5-year 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-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees 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 Atlanta vs Peoria?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $58,716 in Peoria vs $81,938 in Atlanta β a 28.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Peoria, IL from Atlanta, GA?
The driving distance is 678 mi and the route typically takes 12h 54m via I 24 and I 75. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Peoria compare to Atlanta?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,610 in the Peoria MSA vs $48,370 in the Atlanta 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.
How much do homes cost in Peoria compared to Atlanta?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $128,838 in Peoria vs $385,599 in Atlanta β a 66.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Peoria more expensive than Atlanta?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Peoria is 8.8% lower than Atlanta (91.231 vs 100.058, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Atlanta to Peoria?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 678 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Atlanta.
City profiles: Atlanta, GA Β· Peoria, IL.